Week 9

 Cultural Plurality, National Unity and Education

As Malaysia is a multicultural society which consists of different types of ethnic groups such as Malays, Chinese, Indian and the Native, it is essential to have one philosophy that can inculcate unity among all parties starts from the education system. Pertaining to this matter, National Philosophy Education was officially introduced in 1988. National Philosophy Education is a body of concepts which outlines the principles, concepts, ideas, practices, policies and objectives of education. However, before the establishment of National Philosophy Education, a number of reports had been drawn up by a few commissions and had become education policies and frameworks. Malaysia's education policies have always underlined the need to foster peace, harmony, respect and solidarity among the society. Razak Report (1956) and Rahman Talib Report (1960) are the two major education reports that have become the focal points of Malaysia's education policy and practice on unity. These two reports have become the main source for the establishment of the 1961 Education Act, reflecting the multicultural elements of the Malaysian education system. The three main objectives of public education are to promote national unity, to produce human resources that are needed for national development and to develop a progressive and disciplined Malaysian society. These objectives have been translated into the National Philosophy of Education, which specifies that all students should receive integrated education in order to develop their full potential in the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical aspects. This philosophy is formed based on the Five National Principles that aimed at creating a world-class quality education system that will realize the full potential of the individual and fulfil the aspirations of the nation of Malaysia. Through the implementation of this philosophy, a progressive, skillful and efficient citizen that contribute to the development of country can be produced.