Politicians Should Stay Out Of School Curriculum Maszlee Rebukes Khoo

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Former education minister Maszlee Malik has rebuked Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong’s suggestion to teach the history of all races in Malaysia in primary school textbooks.
He said the drafting of school curriculum not only involves subject matter experts but also experts in education, pedagogy, unity, sociology, and more.
Having politicians with no background in education or pedagogy intervene in the curriculum would only “poison” the situation, he said in a Facebook post today.
“I hope politicians would not politicise the issue of curriculum and national education with racial narratives.
“It would invite a pendulum effect from opponents. It would also give a free shot to those who often play with 3R (race, religion, royalty) issues for their political gain,” he said in a Facebook post today.
‘Unhelpful’
He was responding to Khoo, who raised the suggestion during parliamentary debates on Monday as a way to promote unity.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay TiongThis prompted backlash from Umno Youth exco Wan Zuhir Ghazali, who said it is better to close vernacular schools to promote unity.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek responded to Khoo that the syllabus is determined by a special committee of experts and teachers.
“I take note of Kota Melaka’s concerns or views, but I would like to emphasise that all proposals regarding what historical events (are included in textbooks) are decided by this committee,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maszlee said it is “unhelpful” to the unity government for DAP to champion education issues from a racial lens.
He also noted that Khoo is in the same party as Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
“Is he (Wong) not in the WhatsApp group for DAP MPs for Kota Melaka to ask questions?” Maszlee questioned. - Mkini

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