Malaysia has been given low marks for not providing equal education opportunities for its various ethnic groups. And the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur who assessed the situation is not pleased.
UN special rapporteur on the right of education Vernor Munoz Villalobos is disappointed for being snubbed by Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamad.
Hishammuddin apparently told the UN official, who arrived in Malaysia on Feb 5, that he is on an official trip to Sabah and cannot meet him.
Villalobos, who visited numerous schools and met with government officials, teachers, parents and civil society groups during his nine-day tour, will be leaving tomorrow.
Villalobos, a professor of civil rights at Costa Rica's Latina University, was appointed UN special envoy on education three years ago.
Revealing his findings at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, he said Malaysia failed to integrate human and civil rights as vital parts of its education system.
“It is striking to note the lack of human rights perspective which would permit the building of a citizenship model,” he said.
Villalobos will present his report to the UN Human Rights Council, in which Malaysia is a member, next year.
Unusual situation
On not being able to meet the ministers, the UN rapporteur said: “It is a shame that we missed this chance to discuss sensitive issues.”
“It is an unusual situation. I have visited four other countries. In each visit I am received by the highest level representative. I was received by the minister of education in my last visit to Germany,” he added.
Villalobos recommended that the government ratify the International Covenant on Civil Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
He said he was surprised to learn of the Universities, University and Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971 Act, which prohibits students from participating in politics, and call for it to be abolished.
“It curtails the freedom of association and expression and other civil and political rights of university students. It is imperative that the provisions in this law, which is contrary to human rights, be repealed as a matter of urgency,” he added.
He said educational policies must provide equal opportunity across the board, regardless of ethnic background.
Villalobos said he was informed by non-government organisations that there are disparities in the number of Chinese vernacular schools in comparison with the growing Chinese population.
“Communities have to decide what forms of education best suits their needs,” he stressed.
Noting that indigenous children suffer from high-drop out rates, Villalobos urged the Education Ministry to set up a special department to deal with the issue.
“I don’t believe that the government is actively discriminating against the indigenous groups. However, it appears to be a cultural problem, which makes it more complicated,” he said.
Stop caning
He said there was a need to re-examine the re-introduction of English to teach Mathematics and Science subjects since many rural students struggle with the language
The special rapporteur also expressed concern over the practice of caning students.
“We are surprised to find corporal punishment is in place. This disciplinary measure is expressly prohibited by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. But we have been told that this is a legitimate way of punishment, and we do not agree with this,” he said.
On the same note, Villalobos said Malaysia has the resources to respond creatively and comprehensively to all the challenges it faces.
As for the budget and resources allocated for education in this country, the special rapporteur said it was outstanding.
“Tertiary education is increasingly strong. The country is also exemplary in its fight against adult illiteracy,” he added.
