Government committed to restoring public university's dynamism

PUTRAJAYA: The government is committed to restoring the dynamism of public universities and institutions of higher learning which is the 50th promise under Core Five of Pakatan Harapan (PH)'s manifesto.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said PH in its manifesto acknowledged the important role played by higher education institutions towards building an inclusive, moderate and outstanding Malaysia on the world stage.
He said his ministry would ensure that brilliant ideas in the Education Blueprint, as well as Higher Education Blueprint, would be maintained, and any weaknesses rectified.
"I intend for both documents to undergo a mid-term review to enable us to revise and make improvements where necessary," he said.
He said this to the media after the handing over of duties between him and former Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh here yesterday.
On the extension of the repayment period for student loans that would allow borrowers the flexibility to pay only when they have reached a monthly income of RM4,000, he said the matter was currently being worked on.
"Among other things, we will have discussions with the Immigration department about lifting travel restrictions on those who want to go abroad," he said.
The promise was among the 10 things PH would implement in 100 days following its victory in the recently-concluded 14th General Election.
On the abolition of the Universities and University College Act (AUKU) 1971, he said it would be replaced with a new one.
"It is one of the promises offered in the PH manifesto and its implementation will be discussed at the PH level," he said.
On the teaching assistant post to be created for administrative tasks with an aim to reduce the burden of teachers in the country, he assured that his ministry would implement it within the next five years.
Earlier, Maszlee said the smooth handing over of duties yesterday reflected political maturity that would be inherited by future governments.
"We held this ceremony despite being from different parties and governments. This is political maturity. Without this gentleman's attitude, yesterday's ceremony would not have happened.
"Congratulations to Idris for leading the ministry towards many accomplishments. We will make sure that the ideas stated in the Malaysian Education Blueprint (PPPM) 2013-2025 would be continued with a number of improvements," he said. — Bernama