KUCHING: Education reforms that balance strong human values with technological mastery are important to develop future-ready talents and sustain the nation’s long-term growth, said Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Rizzo Mungka Rechie.
Commenting on the recently launched National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026-2035, Rizzo said progress should not be measured solely through physical development such as infrastructure or skyscrapers, but through the strength of the people themselves.
“A nation’s true progress lies in its human capital , their values, education, resilience and community spirit. By nurturing both human values and technological mastery, we are producing graduates who are not only skilled, but employable, adaptable and capable of contributing meaningfully to the new economy,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
On the move to make Bahasa Melayu and Malaysian History compulsory, Rizzo said the initiative should be viewed positively as it strengthens patriotism and national identity.
“It is important for every citizen to understand Malaysia’s history, values and foundation. At the same time, we must remain focused on developing future manpower and ensuring what students learn truly prepares them to contribute to economic growth, employability and nation building,” he added.
Rizzo also expressed support for the introduction of a standardised Year 4 assessment, saying it would provide a clear and consistent benchmark to measure student progress and national education outcomes.
“Previously, assessments such as UPSR and PMR helped set national standards. Rather than repeatedly abolishing and reintroducing assessment systems, which can create uncertainty, we should strengthen and modernise the syllabus so it aligns with current and future education trends,” he said.
However, he cautioned that changes to education requirements should be implemented gradually to avoid confusion among students and educators.
“Too many changes within a short period can be disruptive. Adequate time is needed for reflection, adaptation and effective implementation. A structured assessment system helps ensure we are developing competent students today who will become employable graduates tomorrow,” he said.
On language policy, Rizzo said strengthening Bahasa Melayu has long been a national priority and should continue, while space must also be given for students to master other languages.
“This is important to ensure our graduates remain competitive, adaptable and relevant in a global and regional workforce,” he said.
Welcoming initiatives to improve teachers’ facilities and expand free education, Rizzo said sustained investment in education must remain a national priority.
“Improving facilities ensures our education system keeps pace with international standards, not only through curriculum and syllabus, but also through the learning environment,” he added.
Ultimately, he stressed that education policies must go beyond access alone.
“Our main focus is nation building through talent development. Graduates must be employable, resilient and equipped with the right skills to support the future growth of the country,” he added.
The RPN 2026-2035 launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday (Jan 20) outlines wide-ranging reforms across the education system.
