Kuala lumpur: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir described the newly announced Cabinet today as a strong team capable of implementing the reform agenda that has been comprehensively and effectively planned. He emphasized the blend of senior and junior members, as well as veterans and young leaders, which enables the new Cabinet to function as a cohesive and solid team.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry highlighted the Prime Minister's intent for this to be a working Cabinet, ensuring that the combination of all groups, whether senior or junior, veteran or young, is realized. This approach, he noted, is intended to effectively implement the MADANI agenda. Zambry made these remarks following his participation in the opening ceremony and Training of Trainers (ToT) for the General Studies Premier Course at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Zambry also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for entrusting him with the continued leadership of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). He noted that the National Higher Education Plan for the next decade has been completed and will be presented and launched by the Prime Minister.
Strengthening General Studies as a foundational element in higher education is one of the current major agendas, according to Zambry. This initiative aims to produce graduates who are principled, knowledgeable, and competitive. Additionally, he mentioned plans to amend existing laws, including the Polytechnic Act, and announced forthcoming initiatives like the continuation of the Festival of Ideas (FOI) to enhance the nation's intellectual ecosystem.
Furthermore, Zambry acknowledged his former deputy, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, for his service, now appointed as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Sabah and Sarawak affairs. He also welcomed Adam Adli Abdul Halim as his new deputy, expressing confidence in Adam's experience and activism background to aid in formulating more inclusive and progressive policies. Zambry stated that their collaboration aims to ensure the national higher education system functions optimally.