Malaysia's Education Council Needs More Power: Expert Calls for Comprehensive Act

National Education Council in Malaysia Needs More Power, Says Expert Malaysia's National Education Council (MPN) is facing challenges in effectively implementing education policies due to its limited legal authority. This was highlighted in a recent news report by Astro AWANI, which featured an interview with Dr. Anwar Ahmad, a Fellow at the Institute for Inclusive Development and Progress of Malaysia (MIND). Dr. Ahmad stated that the MPN's role is currently restricted to providing advice and opinions, hindering its ability to bring about significant changes across various ministries. "Without a specific act granting it the necessary powers, the MPN will remain a largely ineffective body," said Dr. Ahmad. He suggested that a comprehensive act should be created to give the MPN the authority to implement education policies across all relevant ministries, ensuring a more holistic approach to education reform. Dr. Ahmad further emphasized the importance of making the MPN more inclusive by including professionals from various educational sectors, parents, academic experts, and representatives from different educational levels. This would ensure that the MPN's decisions reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of the Malaysian education system. The news report concludes by highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to strengthen the MPN's capacity and effectiveness in transforming Malaysia's education system. The inclusion of a diverse range of voices and the provision of a clear mandate would allow the MPN to play a more impactful role in shaping the future of education in the country.