Education minister Fadhlina Sidek said she had told the council that its inaugural report should pay attention to the workload and welfare of teachers.

She said she had a meeting today with the council’s newly-appointed president Amin Senin, a former director-general of education, to discuss several issues related to national education.

On the advisory council’s new line-up, she said six out of nine members were selected among those with a teaching background.

The council president was chosen from among former directors-general of education to ensure that the council’s recommendations are aligned with the national education policy, as well as for his understanding of the intricacies and complexities of the ministry, the largest in the Cabinet.

She said council members were not chosen on racial grounds but for their professionalism and expertise.

However, the council would create a committee involving those of every ethnic group and the Orang Asli community, as well as representatives of vulnerable groups (such as persons with disabilities), education stakeholders and student representatives.

She said the ministry welcomed any feedback and ideas on improving the education system, especially related to students, teachers and schools.

“We have also arranged for consultations with groups that fight for the welfare of all stakeholders. The deputy minister and I will also work closely with agencies that bring the voices of every community so that the issue of national education can be raised at an optimal level,” she said.