Malaysia gained its independence in the year 1957 and since its early days laid stress on improving the quality of education at all levels.
Throughout its five year plans, education has been an important development objective.Right in the first development plan itself the direct relationship between the rate of economic and social advancement on one hand and the education system was recognized.
Establishing equality of opportunities amongst genders and diverse races, fostering national unity and supporting economic growth have always been the guiding factors for its education polices.
The education ministry of the country has always been considered as a storehouse of power and is seen as a stepping stone for the future Prime ministers with only Tunku Abdul Razak (1955-57) being an exception.
The ministry has always been headed by highly educated people – doctors, lawyers, educationists to specify a few. Looking briefly at the education ministers and their educational backgrounds: