ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor has called on the federal government to improve the country's education system so that the younger generation remains competitive.
Johor regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said proactive measures and changes need to be made to the syllabus of subjects that are no longer relevant.
“If it cannot be done at the national level, let Johor be the first state to change the school syllabus,” he said on Thursday (May 9) in the 15th state assembly, sitting here. This was stated at the opening of the term.
“Quality education is the foundation of developed countries. It solves various problems and creates more employment opportunities for the next generation.
“It has always been my priority to ensure that the people of Johor have food on the table, basic amenities, healthcare and quality education,” he added.
In his speech, Tunku Ismail also highlighted the recent World Bank report and the country's below-average performance in the Program for International Student Assessment (Pisa).
“If we don't face these realities, we shouldn't complain that the next generation is less competitive than its contemporaries.
Tunku Ismail, who is also the Crown Prince of Johor, said: “We need new, more proactive initiatives to help young people meet the challenges of the future.”
Malaysia's performance in the international assessment of trends in international mathematics and science research was reported to be similar to Pisa's, yet to reach the top three expected in the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025.
Separately, the regent wants all 56 members of the Johor Assembly to play their part in eradicating extreme poverty in the state by 2026.
“I declare that after the end of 2025, no more heads of households should be listed as extremely poor.
“We have 19 months left to identify, locate and provide the support needed to lift them out of extreme poverty through programs from government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organizations,” he said. added.
