The Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh on the fifth day of the First Meeting of the 22~ Session of the Legislative Council yesterday elaborated on the significance of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) as a core subject within the national education system.
The minister was responding to Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee’s question on the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) plans to incorporate topics related to national institutions, including the Legislative Council and its role, specifically within the existing components of the MIB subject curriculum.
She recalled that MIB is the national philosophy that was proclaimed on January 1. 1984, by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘All Saifuddien Saadul Khair Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunel Darussalam.
In upholding His Majesty’s titah, she said. “The MoE has made the concept of MIB a core subject in the national education system. Topics related to the national institutions, including the position of the Sultan as the Head of State and the role of government bodies like the Legislative Council, are systematically incorporated into the MIB curriculum from primary school through to higher education.”
The structure of the curriculum at each level whereby at Primary Level (Years 1-6) has emphasis that is placed on respecting the symbols of the nation’s sovereignty and understanding actions that violate national laws as the basis of civic compliance.
While in the Secondary Level (Years 7-11), the focus is on a morein-depth exposure to the functions of national institutions.
This aims to nurture youth with an Islamic identity and the characteristics of MIB necessary for socioeconomic progress. At the Higher Education Level, the MIB course incorporates values of citizenship and emphasises a deep focus on national identity, patriotism and governance.
For students continuing their studies abroad, she mentioned, *The ministry has also provided signature programmes to ensure that the sovereignty and institutions of the nation are respected, even while they are far from home.
In conclusion, the MoE continuously updates the MIB curriculum to ensure that the role of important institutions, such as the Legislative Council, is fully understood by students.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
