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Education is very important. We feel strongly that the Malaysian education should be able to cope with the modern world.

The advent of the 21st century sees us continue to bring up education issues within and outside Parliament. For example, this year, from the federal budget of RM100.515 billion, the biggest allocation, RM20.78 billion, goes to education. If this can be used properly, then it is correct.

Alas, there are many weaknesses in education such as the existence of feudalism, mediocrity and bloody-mindedness in some institutions like universities and the reluctance to build more Chinese schools where public demand.

It is not surprising that academics are concerned with the state of Malaysia's education system. On 26 January, 2002, Universiti Malaya Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Anuar Zaini said that local undergraduates lacked resourcefulness.

ROYAL COMMISSION

Just as there is a need for a royal commission on migrant workers and manpower needs in the country, we require similar commission on education.

Now, from kindergartens to universities, we have to educate about 5.8 million students. By 2005, the number may be 6.56 million. We have to train more people for the knowledge economy.

The Government plans, among other things, to introduce modern information and communications technology in schools, smart schools, one-session schools, build more universities and research centres.

It can implement education projects. But, if those holding the rein in education have feudal mentality, mediocrity and bloody-mindedness, the education system will not change. If university enrolment and promotion of academic staff and administrators are not based on merits and needs, how can students be resourceful?

There are many good people in Malaysian education. They want to do something for the future. But, they need a suitable atmosphere to do so. Therefore, let us have a royal commission to find out how we can create such an atmosphere. No doubt, those with vested interest will resist such a commission.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw