Chaos as education minister gives winding-up speech

The winding-up of the debate on the royal address by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek turned chaotic today with frequent interruptions by MPs from the government and opposition alike. 

Many of them asked Fadhlina about issues related to education in their own constituencies, including complaints about dilapidated facilities and an urgent need for upgrades. 

Fadhlina had only been speaking for less than five minutes when she was interrupted by Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) who questioned the education ministry's instruction to do away with competitions and events that have no impact on learning. 

Wan Saiful asked if the order could be implemented straight away given the lack of an official circular.

Fadhlina replied that a circular and official instructions would be conveyed before the start of the 2023/2024 school year next month. 

Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baru) then asked about developments on the issues raised in his debate on the royal address several days ago. 

Other MPs then asked about similar issues raised in their own debates. 

Fadhlina however remained calm and in control of the situation.

She reiterated several matters previously decided by her ministry including the scrapping of competitions, celebrations and ceremonies unrelated to learning, saying this was among seven immediate measures to reduce the burden on teachers which would take effect in the upcoming school year.  

She added that the appointment of invigilators for examinations conducted by the Examinations Board and Malaysian Examinations Council would be opened to individuals other than teachers. 

"But they will need to meet the necessary criteria," she added.