PUTRAJAYA, 25 Sept 2008: The execution of the New Education Blueprint 2006-2010 (PIPP) is going according to schedule despite the prevailing economic challenges, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said the economic challenges as a result of high inflation and fuel price fluctuations had caused costs to go up by 20%, increasing the ceiling cost for the programme to reach RM5.929 billion.
However, as a result of the re-prioritising of projects planned under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the PIPP will continue without any hiccups, he told reporters after presenting the third progress report on the blueprint here today.
The PIPP aims to bring about a quantum leap in the standard of education in the country so that it is on par with that of advanced countries.
Hishammuddin said in terms of progress made, 235 action plans or 73.43% of the 320 listed had been achieved.
For this year, he said the emphasis was on bringing about a transformation in the curricula at the pre-school and primary level, apart from renewal in the secondary education system including technical and vocational schools.
He said the efforts were focused at producing human capital in tune with market needs.
On Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing asking Sarawak Education Director Dr Julaihi Bujang to resign for allegedly being slow to act on students engaging in sexual activities in Bintulu schools, Hishammuddin said the call by the MP was rather extreme.
He added that he understood the matter had been resolved and hoped there would be better communication on issues arising among the stakeholders. — Bernama
