The 43 initiatives include manifesto promises and other programmes which he said were implemented in the interests of students across all levels.

In a statement, Maszlee said the removal of PTPTN loan defaulters from the Immigration blacklist was done in 30 days because PH believed the borrowers shouldn’t be treated like criminals.

He said he had given his commitment to improve the education system in five years and that in the first 100 days, his focus was on low-hanging fruits, before moving on to bigger issues.

“This includes giving greater autonomy to institutions of higher learning, ensuring freedom of speech for undergraduates by reintroducing the Speakers’ Corner, and studying the abolishment of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) in line with the PH manifesto.”

Maszlee said a special committee had been set up to study the possibility of abolishing the AUKU.

He said public universities had been encouraged to organise more debates and dialogues with stakeholders.

“The Education ministry and I are open to views from all parties to accomplish the agenda of the national education policy.”

Maszlee also said some of the other low-hanging fruits included ensuring school children no longer had to carry heavy bags and reducing the burden of teachers from having to do administrative work.

A RM36 million special allocation had also been approved for the repair and maintenance of schools.

“Others include increasing the command of Bahasa Melayu by strengthening the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and encouraging students to master more than three languages,” he said.

He said Bahasa Melayu would continue to be upheld while celebrating and promoting the strengths of a diverse, multilingual society.