Principles and general objectives of education

The National Education Philosophy (NEP), formulated in 1988, states that “education in Malaysia is an on-going effort to further develop the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious, based on a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an effort is designed to produce Malaysian citizens of high moral standards, knowledgeable and competent, and who are responsible and capable of achieving a high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, the society and the nation at large.”

The underlying principles and goals of the NEP are translated into the school curriculum, which encourages the development of balanced, well-rounded, trained and skilled individuals who cherish the national aspiration for unity. More specifically, educational programmes and activities intend to achieve the following objectives:

provide pupils with the essential intellectual, affective and psychomotor skills in a holistic and integrated manner to produce individuals who are intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually balanced and functionally literate;

inculcate and nurture national consciousness through fostering common ideas, values, aspirations and loyalties in order to mould national unity and national identity in a multi-ethnic society;

produce manpower with the requisite skills for economic and national development;

inculcate in pupils desired moral values and to promote personality and aesthetic development as well as the sense of being responsible and disciplined, and progressively enabling them to contribute effectively towards nation-building.

There is no discrimination against any citizen in terms of access to education and financial support for the maintenance of pupils or students in any educational institution. Equality and rights in education are fundamental liberties enshrined in the Federal Constitution.