The government is strengthening the implementation of General Studies Subjects (MPU) at higher education institutions as part of efforts to instil stronger patriotism, civic awareness and a sense of national identity among students.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the initiative recognises the crucial role of young people in civic engagement and underscores the need for civic education that is structured, systematic and relevant to current realities.
He stressed that MPU should no longer be treated as a marginal subject or merely a compulsory requirement, but as a core foundation in shaping responsible citizens and nation-builders.
“If we want to see the character of a nation and the kind of generation we hope to produce, it must begin with the mould. MPU is one of those key moulds,” he said at the Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for MPU held at Universiti Putra Malaysia yesterday.
Zambry acknowledged that MPU implementation has faced challenges, including inconsistent teaching approaches and a perception among some students and institutions that the subject is unimportant, leading to a lack of serious engagement.
To address this, he said the Ministry of Higher Education is introducing a revamped MPU curriculum that is more comprehensive, contextual and aligned with Malaysia’s historical foundations and contemporary challenges.
The restructured curriculum was developed through collaboration between Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin and Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Osman Bakar, integrating key concepts of civilisation, nationhood and nation-building into a unified framework.
The reform follows a directive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a Cabinet meeting on Aug 28, 2024, calling for stronger understanding of citizenship and nationhood among university students amid concerns over declining patriotism among the younger generation.
This year’s reform will involve more than 1.1 million higher education students nationwide and is expected to contribute directly to nation-building through a more inclusive and structured civic education approach that reflects Malaysia’s diverse society.
Under the new structure, MPU courses are grouped into four clusters: U1, focusing on philosophy, values and history; U2, centred on soft skills development; U3, covering areas such as entrepreneurship, sustainable development, technology and integrity; and U4, emphasising community engagement and experiential learning.
Zambry said the revised MPU will be supported by a clear governance framework involving the ministry, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, higher education institutions and lecturers to ensure consistent standards and quality nationwide.
He described the MPU reform as a long-term strategic investment to produce ethical, critical-thinking graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
