Since the Malay language has been made a compulsory subject in 1969, students taking the Lower Certificate of Examinations have to pass the subject before they can enter Form IV. In the last three decades, we have seen a decline in our education system which has now become disastrous for our economy. Students can hardly speak or write in English even after finishing their secondary education.

Potential investors turn to other countries when they find the current workforce lack proficiency in English. Bill Gates is one of them. With the knowledge economy that the government of the day is trying to promote, smart schools are in the pipeline. What is the government driving at?

We can have the best infrastructure but we have failed miserably if we continue to ignore the poor quality of the existing workforce. Something must be done right now to save the next generation from succumbing to the same fate.

Get experts to chart a master plan on reinventing the system without interference from any political parties. All leaders should come to their senses and act sensibly for the future of Malaysia. The education minister must be held accountable for all the programmes implemented.

If our government sincerely wishes for our economy to succeed, it must spare no effort to make a success of its education system. It must not resort to trying out programmes based on their hidden agendas. Launch good education programmes without delay so that the healing process can start.