By Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim
Many bad news on education lately. More and more unhealthy and uncalled for disruption from politics. Should politics come first? Or education? Logically, good education should give rise to healthy politics. Whilst, the excessive intrusion of politics into education can destroy education. Once education is corrupted, knowledge which is the ultimate output of education is compromised. Looking at the traditions of education, it thrived on differences, exploration and experimenting.
Education, a cornerstone of societal progress, thrives on debate, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives. However, its essence is increasingly undermined by political power struggles, particularly evident in recent U.S. controversies. The US is by no means an exception. We hear similar stories in many other economies of the world. A premier educational institution, Harvard, is under intense pressure from politics to compromise the essence of great education. This clash not only threatens educational integrity but also sets a concerning global precedent. Understanding why education is retreating and how to reclaim its vitality is crucial.
Why is education retreating? Studies have raised concern about too much political interference in the curricula. Such actions do not augur well for a thriving education vibrancy. There are now laws restricting discussions on race, example bans on Critical Race Theory, gender equity, or even the controversial LGBTQ+ issues, Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. They politicize classroom content, stifling open discourse. The impact is unhealthy.
Educators self-censor to avoid backlash, narrowing students’ exposure to complex societal issues. Funding and polarization contribute to the slow but sure demise of education. School budgets often hinge on compliance with partisan agendas, exacerbating inequities. Political polarization infiltrates school boards, with members elected to advance ideological goals rather than educational quality.
Many believe there is a growing erosion of trust in institutions. The dismissal of academic expertise, example climate science denial, and the rise of “alternative facts”, sometimes referred to as fake claims, weaken public confidence in education. Social media amplifies misinformation, deepening societal divides. There is also the issues of corporatization and standardized testing. The pressure to align with corporate interests and “teach to the test” prioritizes measurable outcomes over critical thinking, reducing education to transactional goals.
Reviving the power of education is never easy. It is most challenging as we also witness here in Malaysia. Experts however agree there are ways. Policy reforms are high on the agenda. Some have suggested erecting legislative shields. Enact laws protecting academic freedom, ensuring curricula remain inclusive and evidence-based. Next is about equitable funding. Decouple school funding from political compliance, allocating resources based on need rather than ideology. Then there is the call for community and educator empowerment. Promoting local engagement has been proposed. Foster nonpartisan community dialogues to democratize education decisions, reducing top-down political control. And of course, teacher autonomy. Strengthen unions and professional development to empower educators as curricular decision-makers.
Curriculum innovation is high on the list of reform. We need to enhance the critical media literacy. Integrate skills to analyze misinformation, fostering resilience against manipulative narratives. Misinformation is rampant in political campaigning. A low level of education can distort the outcome of elections. Civic education is critical. This is where we emphasize democratic values, civil discourse, and historical context to prepare engaged, informed citizens.
Global solidarity is a crucial factor. We see less and less of this nowadays. The atrocities conducted in Gaza is a clear sign of the breakdown in global togetherness. International organizations (e.g., UNESCO) can promote apolitical educational standards, while cross-border educator networks share strategies to resist politicization.
Education’s retreat stems from its collision with political power dynamics, but its revival lies in reasserting its role as a sanctuary for inquiry and empathy. By safeguarding academic freedom, investing in communities, and reorienting curricula toward critical engagement, education can transcend partisan divides. This requires collective action, uniting educators, policymakers, and citizens, to ensure education remains a beacon of enlightenment, not a pawn of power.
The world’s future depends on it. There are lessons for us here in Malaysia. Though some deny it, education in Malaysia is viewed by many as retreating. If the decline is left unchecked, our future is also severely at risks. We need actions now.
The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. He can be reached at ahmadibrahim@ucsiuniversity.edu.my.