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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised the need to uphold national core subjects such as Bahasa Melayu and History in all educational settings, including private and international schools, as part of a broader effort to reinforce national identity and patriotic consciousness.
“In a first step, I have directed the Ministry of Higher Education to hold discussions with the Ministry of Education to ensure that core subjects such as Bahasa Melayu and History are given priority — even in private and international schools,” Anwar said in a statement on Facebook today.
The directive comes amid an ongoing review of the General Studies Subjects (Mata Pelajaran Pengajian Umum, or MPU), presented earlier by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The proposed revision follows consultation with key stakeholders including public universities, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and the Ministry of Defence.
Anwar stated that the revised MPU curriculum would focus on content renewal, as well as adjustments to its structure and delivery approach, in order to make it “fresher, more relevant, and capable of instilling national values and a spirit of patriotism”.
He added that the revised curriculum would be implemented not only in public and private universities, but also across training institutes nationwide.
“This proposal will be brought to the Cabinet to strengthen national awareness and nurture a generation that is knowledgeable, principled, and deeply committed to the nation,” he said. - September 30, 2025