KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister instructs the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) to end antiquated bureaucracy and stop making decisions on behalf of universities.

Speaking at the launching of the Global Intellectual Discourse 2024 at Universiti Malaya On Monday (Jan 22), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ministry must give some space and allow universities to decide on their priorities and proceed with their programmes.

"I'm suggesting this because of the urgency and in recognising that elements in the Pisa (Programme for International Student Assessment) report are disturbing. If you use the current pace, you will be left behind," he said.

In his speech, Anwar also urged the ministry to implement clear policies and measures to allow the country's higher education sector to improve moving forward.

He also encouraged universities to expand specific programs, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to do more in the future.

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"We don't have enough resources, but we must do whatever we can with what is available now. As I told the ministry, I want at least some measures, some forms of implementation to be taken now, this year, no excuse.

"That means undertaking measures not in the normal pace and going back and forth with the Higher Education Ministry," he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar also urged for a review of the preschool education system in the country to prevent disparities among the community.

As such, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the preschools under the Education Ministry need to provide additional, comprehensive facilities to all students in the country, even if it means the government has to bear new costs.

"Let's start with the basics. Just like last year when we spent RM1bil just for refurbishing school toilets," he added. – Bernama