Education for unity
Education was seen as one of the most powerful tools for building national unity. A shared system, a common curriculum and a national language of instruction could bring children of all races together and give them a common identity. This is the purpose of the National Education Policy.
Key reports and laws
The policy grew out of several important reports and laws.
- Razak Report (1956) — prepared under Tun Abdul Razak, the Minister of Education, it recommended a national system of education with a common curriculum and Malay as the main medium of instruction. It became the basis of the Education Ordinance 1957.
- Rahman Talib Report (1960) — reviewed and strengthened the Razak Report, leading to the Education Act 1961.
- Education Act 1996 — later updated and consolidated the national education system.
Key idea / 要点
The Razak Report (1956) is the foundation of the National Education Policy: one national system, a common curriculum, and Malay as the main medium of instruction to build unity.
Features and aims
The policy aimed to produce loyal, united and skilled citizens. Its main features included a common curriculum for all schools, the use of Malay as the main medium of instruction, common public examinations, and equal educational opportunities. Later curricula such as the integrated primary and secondary curricula continued these aims.
By schooling children of all backgrounds under one system, the National Education Policy remains a key pillar of national unity.
Remember / 记住
- Razak Report 1956 → Education Ordinance 1957.
- Rahman Talib Report 1960 → Education Act 1961.
- Education Act 1996 updated the system.
- Common curriculum and Malay as main medium of instruction build unity.