Schools in Penang to form Education Council

 

The Star newspaper, Tuesday 8 Nov 2011


CONSULTATIVE council will be set up in the state to “discuss, debate and research” policies proposed by the Education Ministry. Representatives from some 20 primary and secondary schools here have agreed to form a council soon in the interest of the future generation.

Among the schools were SMJK Perempuan Cina Pulau Pinang, SMK Methodist (Perempuan), SMJK Phor Tay, SMJK Chung Ling, SMK Convent Pulau Tikus and SMJK Jit Sin Butterworth.

Parent S. Krishnan, 51, who was representing SK St Xavier Air Itam, urged all schools in the state to be part of the council. “The council will be formalised soon and we urge all education stakeholders, especially the schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG), to join us. “I hope similar councils can be established in every state,” he said at the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) press conference here on Saturday.

The father of six, who is also member of the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) Penang chapter, said education should not be politicised. He said only educationists should be put in charge of issues related to education. PAGE Penang chapter coordinator Rowena Yam said the details of the council would be worked out before it is formally registered. “The council will meet from time to time to give input on matters pertaining to education,” she said.