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File photo of a rural school building. — Bernama photo
KUCHING (Jan 22): Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie has warned that Malaysia’s education system, overly focused on examinations, produces students who excel at memorisation but lack critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address, Doris acknowledged the royal address’s emphasis on strengthening education and highlighted persistent challenges on the ground, especially the widening gap between urban and rural schools.
“Many schools are still facing weak internet connectivity, shortages of learning materials, teachers taking on multiple roles, and many other challenges.
“It is therefore not surprising that 21st-century education often remains a slogan, while our children are still struggling with 20th-century realities. This is a reality we must acknowledge and address urgently,” she said.
Doris stressed that the issue is not teachers’ competence, but a system weighed down by excessive administrative tasks, an overpacked curriculum, and an obsession with examinations.
She also warned that frequent policy changes confuse teachers, worry parents, and disadvantage students.
On inclusivity, Doris said certain groups remain left behind, particularly students with disabilities and those from low-income families.
“Inclusive education cannot remain mere rhetoric. It must be supported by concrete action and real allocations,” she said.
She further noted that tertiary education often fails to equip graduates with skills that match the job market’s needs.
Doris urged the government to focus on rural schools, reduce teachers’ administrative burdens, reform curricula and assessments to prioritise critical thinking, and implement stable, long-term education policies.
“If we are truly serious about the future of the nation, education reform cannot be delayed. Sri Aman hopes the ministry will act swiftly and appropriately,” she said.
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