Malaysia’s National Philosophy Of Education

‘Education in Malaysia is a constant effort and hard work within the direction to pursue and furthermore expanding the potential of individuals in an exceedingly holistic and combined approach, with the intention to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially balanced and harmonious, based on a strong faith in religious beliefs and devotion to God. These kinds of efforts are without question devised to generate Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and competent, who exceeds high moral standards, and who are trustworthy, responsible, and capable of achieving a high level of personal well-being as well as having the capability to make contributions to the harmonious relationship and prosperity of the family, the society and the nation at large.’

The National Philosophy of Education (NPE) is established in 1988 based on policy documents and concepts which include Cabinet Report in 1979, logical and imperative thinking, National Principle, Malaysian Society and cultures. NPE highlights the principles, ideas, terms, education practices, policies and goals and objectives of education. Besides that, in addition, it also functions as guidance, the path of direction, or rational view on relevances that are related to education.

The articles structured in NPE consists of numerous factors, for instance, such as social, international, individual, economic, political and religious factors and circumstances. The social factors can certainly be viewed through the sentence which presents in NPE ‘… to produce Malaysian citizen that is capable of achieving a high level of personal well-being to contribute to the prosperity of the nation, family and society.’ seeing that Malaysia is a nation made up of various kinds of races and ethnicities such as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazandusun, Iban and others; hence, in order to have a peaceful harmony and stable society or nation, education plays an essential role in shaping tolerance, cooperation and mutual respect among every individual.

Aside from social factors, individual factor is pointed out in the sentence from NPE which specifically stated that ‘Holistic Development by integrating all potential of individual in such approach will produce well balanced and harmonious citizens’ which implies that the nation hope by education, positive attitude can be developed within the individual, and produce an individual who enjoys spiritual peacefulness and prepared to face challenges. NPE uphold the aspiration of a nation. Therefore as a teacher, he or she are encouraged to study the aims of NPE mindfully and understand them with regards to produce better quality generations.

Furthermore, NPE is vitally important due to the fact that it shed light on the guidance and course to the nation, function as a fundamental consideration of the pursuits and objectives of national education and serve as a reference to comprehend the education systems. Besides that, additionally, it is a guidance for teacher’s tasks, duties and curriculum arrangements, prevents misunderstanding and uncertainty, ambiguity and dispute, and as well implements educational programmes.

NPE have influenced the school culture or tradition and the nation’s education reforms significantly. Only combined with NPE, teachers and pupils will likely be able to follow closely and realize the objectives and aspiration of education. It impacts the education reforms by introducing the education systems, Integrated Primary School Curriculum, smart school and teaching Mathematics and Science in English.

In conclusion, one of the most important parts is the participation of both teachers and students in engaging the elements of the National Philosophy of Education and incorporating those elements in their teaching methods and styles. Moreover, school as the social institution whereby the learning and teaching process is taking place and it involved two approaches of interaction which are students to students and between teachers and students. Consequently, in order to produce individuals with high moral standards and develop their self-development in terms of five essential elements which are balanced physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectual and social, parents and teachers needs to be able to educate and teach the students by following the philosophy that has been formulated which is the National Philosophy of Education. By implementing and utilizing the National Philosophy of Education in schools, teachers enable to create the new environment of learning and practice various methods of teaching in line with the objective of National Philosophy of Education. This is absolutely important and vital because the philosophy has shown the way to be a better person and being a well-mannered individual to achieve the highest standard level in life. As an outcome, the philosophy may perhaps give some impacts, especially on students life by making improvements to their primary skills, thinking abilities and producing many potentials in people which can contribute to new concepts and ideas for prosperity and best interests of the nation, society, religion.