The minister acknowledged her weaknesses but said she takes criticism as a chance to improve.

“I take calls for my resignation as a call to do better.

“When I chose to be a politician, I knew I’d have to face all kinds of criticism.

“I have my own weaknesses, but I am focused on doing my best,” she said during a special briefing with senior editors in Putrajaya today, The Star reported.

Fadhlina also said the ministry will do better at keeping students safe in schools.

She said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had advised her to stay patient, pointing out that he had faced even greater challenges when he was education minister.

Anwar served as education minister from 1986 to 1991.

The education ministry yesterday announced a slew of measures to enhance safety and address disciplinary issues in institutions under its purview, including additional funds for CCTVs and enhanced mental health screening for students.

A coalition of NGOs yesterday said they would call for Fadhlina’s resignation if she continued to fail in protecting students.