Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to strengthen the integration of moral and ethical values within the national education framework, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He said education should not be seen as two different systems between schools and universities, but one continuous process that holistically shapes individuals with intellectual and moral integrity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister emphasized the need for continuity between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education in the education process. He highlighted that the curriculum should not be separate, and should include the values intended for students. The statement was made during the 2025 Malay Language Academic Awards Ceremony.
Zambry noted that the current higher education curriculum has incorporated value elements through the General Studies (MPU) modules. These modules have been undergoing improvement since last year under the guidance of academic figures Prof Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar and Prof Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin. The new framework aims to emphasize nation-building, civilization, and value formation, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to strengthen the moral foundation of the education system.
He mentioned that while these subjects are already part of the university curriculum, the Prime Minister has instructed that their content be shared with the MOE to instill these core values earlier in the learning process. Both ministries are currently reviewing their respective education policies to ensure that value development remains a key component of the national education system.
The minister reiterated that the new policy at the higher education level will continue to strengthen moral and ethical values in the education process. He expressed confidence that the MOE is moving in the same direction. This follows the Prime Minister's recent call for the education system to focus on strengthening moral and ethical values after several incidents involving children highlighted weaknesses in value formation.