The Decline of Students’ Academic Performance: Causes and Impacts to the Country’s Development

In facing the country’s situation that is fast developing, education is not only a necessity extremely important amongst youths, but it is central for the country’s advancement. This is because the standard of education has a close relationship with employment standards, social status, income and a better living standard. Therefore, academic excellence is a major goal of students, parents and educators. The need for skilled human resources and knowledge at the tertiary level, for example, is increasing. New areas relevant to the needs of development and the expanding of current economic and social matters of the country become a priority.

The issue of poor academic performance among students of public and private higher education institutions becomes a serious issue because they are expected to be individuals who are knowledgeable and able to handle problems of the current development of a society. This is because students are the hope of the country because they are the ones who will inherit the reins of leadership that will shape the future of a spectacular Malaysia. The problem of deteriorating student academic performance in public and private higher education institutions should be given serious attention by the authorities including the Ministry of Higher Education, universities, parents and also students.

Decline in academic performance is not supposed to happen because I believe that students in public and private higher education institutions are made up of those who are bright and brilliant. The issue of declining academic performance among students of public and private institutions will have a major impact on the process of producing a world class human capital, and it seems to impair the government’s noble intention of making Malaysia the best centre of learning at an international level. The country will also face problems in dealing with the competition of developed countries at the global level.

Culture shock and a care-less attitude is believed to be the reasons of 112, 132 students failing to obtain the results of the grade point average (GPA) 2.0 until the loan of their study gets ultimately frozen as revealed by Datuk Dr. Mohamad Shahrum Osman when he was still the Chairman of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

In my opinion, achieving an average GPA below 2.0 is not acceptable, especially for full-time students, more so at institutions of higher learning. According to statistics conducted by the Enforcement Division and the Inspectorate, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, from January to June this year, 17 private institutions were compounded and one of the offences is by taking students under the minimum requirements. Offence to take students under the minimum requirement is also seen as a major factor that has contributed to the decline of academic performance.

Psychologist for Children and Adolescents, School of Psychology and Human Development, National University Malaysia (UKM), Associate Professor Dr. Khaidir Ismail believes culture shock to be a major problem to the students in their search for identity which led to easily accepting changes in the environment. Aggravating the situation more is when there are a handful of public and private university students influenced by foreign culture until they get drifted and eventually forget the responsibility to learn. It turns out that the freedom and convenience given gets misused by students who feel that they do not need to strive to get good results because they are already ‘successfully’ in university.

Among other causes that led to the decline of academic performance is associated with learning through the wrong techniques. Mastery of knowledge can be enhanced by the proper learning techniques. Most students who perform less than satisfactory are not only unable to manage the time to learn well but they are also less prepared before taking examinations. The wrong attitude and mentality plague students when they learn just to pass the examinations. The attitude of students who often take it easy on any matter is also among the contributors to the decline in their academic performance. Complacency and not striving enough in doing learning activities make them forget their responsibilities as a student. In addition, the culture of 'last minute' is also seen affecting their academic performance.

I am concerned if this situation continues, the country will face a shortage of skilled workers, professionals, academics, economists and others. The level of education will face a serious problem in view of the university's products failing to work for the national and public interest. Thus, I would want to suggest for the authorities especially the Ministry of Higher Education to improve monitoring of academic performance at all public and private higher learning institutions throughout the country. Serious monitoring is viewed as able to help improve the academic performance of tertiary education in Malaysia. Studies and research on the dominant source of the problem enables learning and academic achievement to be at the maximum level.

As a student, I would be very pleased to see Malaysian students succeed in the academic aspects as well as personality-wise. A deep awareness of the importance of a student’s role to the country's future is the key to this problem. Therefore, the cooperation and efforts of all parties are essential in order to improve and enhance the performance of the country’s education quality.

MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA,
PRESIDENT,
STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 2009/2010,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA.
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Summary Report on Down to Earth (DTE) to Mahallah

Students' Representative Council (SRC) 2009/2010 has organized Down to Earth (DTE) session to several mahallahs in IIUM. The purpose of this session is to collect data regarding welfare issues in mahallah by conducting a survey to every room in every block in the respective mahallah. By conducting this survey, we can see that there are many complaints and suggestions which need to be highlighted and to be taken into actions from the administration. We have sent letters to principals of respective mahallat on issuing the issues raised up by the students.

No	Date of visit/ time	Mahallah	Main Issues	Remarks
1.	24th February 2010 / 9.15- 11.30pm	Salahuddin Al-Ayubi	1.Wireless issue whereby the server is so poor and not function accordingly 2. They complaint that there are no cleaners working in Mahallah Salahuddin – toilet is not clean 3. The mix up between brothers and sisters scenario is not supposed to happen in this mahalllah of IIUM where there are no proper surveillance by the authority.	Welfare Secretariat had a meeting with Madam Sakinah. Remarks by Madam Sakinah on issue: 1.Wireless IIUM is in working progress to upgrade wireless internet. Madam Sakinah required more details and specific zone of the poor wireless connection in Mahallah Salahuddin 2. Cleaner Each block is provided with one cleaner. Probably, there is issue of lack supervision. Office will ensure this matter to be brought up to the respective contractor in charge 3. Mixing up brothers and sisters Action will be taken
2.	17th May 2010/ 9.15- 11.30pm	Zubair al-Awwam	1.Poor food services provided by cafeteria 2.They also complained about the washing machine service which not applicable 3.The wireless connection is slow	On the 20th of May 2010, SRC met with the owner of the cafeteria, Hj Yusof to discuss about the problems regarding the cafeteria. He promised to improve his cafeteria services and hoped for the students to give full support and feedback to them so they can be better in serving the students. We have submitted a memo to the owner of the cafeteria
3.	26th July 2010 / 9.00 -10.30 pm.	Asiah	1.Dissatisfaction with the price of foods in Mahallah café which for them were expensive 2.Complaints about wireless connection which was so slow 3.Suggestion to the administration to provide rooftop along the walkway from Mahallah Asiah to other mahallah	We already receive a response letter from Mahallah Asiah's principal. She concerned on the issues raised by students. Principal of Mahallah Asiah has sent letters to respective authorities on issues that are beyond mahallah's jurisdiction.
4.	26th July 2010 / 9.00 -10.30 pm.	Bilal.	1.Complaint regarding wireless service whereas some of them are not able to connect to the connection 2. Some students requested for washing machine to be allocated at each block. 3.The resident of the mahallah also commented about wild dogs around the mahallah 4.Students complained that there are no variety of food especially international food and the price not reasonable 5.Residents of Mahallah Bilal have suggested to the management to provide more parking lots for students and improve the facilities such as water cooler, washing machine, kiosk, cafeteria, badminton and basketball court and others	Comments cannot be forwarded to Principal Bilal since the position is vacant.
5.	5th August 2010/ 9.00 -10.30 pm.	Safiyyah	1. Dissatisfaction on the price of foods in Mahallah café which for them were expensive 2. There were also complaints on students who did not observed the dress code rule. 3. The most pressure issue were complaints on some female students who used to smoke at musolla and level 4 of Block I.	We have sent the report to Principal Mahallah Safiyyah and waiting for the reply.
6.	17th August 2010/ 10.00-11.00 pm (After Tarawikh)	Sumayyah.	1. Many students were dissatisfied with time of closing the gate of Mahallah Sumayyah at 9 pm which for them is too early. 2. Many students complained on the compound received during the spot check ran by fellows which according to them were not a justifiable compound. 3. They also complained about lamp at AIKOL's stairs to Nusaibah and Sumayyah which are not function.	We have sent the report to Principal Mahallah Sumayyah and waiting for the reply.
7.	17th August 2010/ 10.00-11.00 pm (After Tarawikh)	Nusaibah.	1. It was too dark at Nusaibah's stairs at night that might endanger the safety of the students who used the stairs. 2. Dissatisfaction with the non-variety of foods in Mahallah café which for them the foods in the cafe are not tasty and low quality. 3. Complaints on some female international students (foreigners) who used to smoke and don't really care about cleanliness; especially in toilet.	We have sent the report to Principal Mahallah Nusaibah and waiting for the reply.

Prepared by,





___________________________

IZYAN HAZWANI AHMAD
Chairperson

Welfare Secretariat

Students' Representative Council 2009/2010


Verified by,

 
_______________________________
MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA
President
Students' Representative Council 2009/2010

Protest Against the Adam Lambert Concert in Malaysia

The presence of gay artiste Adam Lambert to perform in Malaysia receives opposition from various parties, which includes students, NGOs, political parties and the people of Malaysia. The presence of Adam Lambert is seen as something negative for fear of bringing immoral ‘gay’ culture to Malaysian society, especially to young Malaysians.

I strongly protest the Adam Lambert concert in Malaysia based on several important factors. As a young Malaysian, I am concerned that the image and culture shown by the artiste become an example to youths in Malaysia who are already plagued by serious social problems. I see young adults tend to mimic and end up with the lifestyle and culture brought about by these kind of artistes. Thus, I represent the people of Malaysia and also the students protesting and disagreeing with the organization of this concert.

I feel that if we want to see a bright future of Malaysia, the emphasis and affirmation of western culture into Malaysia should not be taken lightly by all parties, especially the government. This is not the first objection from the public on organizing concerts for a western artiste because once upon a time Malaysians had objected to the organization of the Avril Lavigne concert in this country, but actions and responses to the protests were not given much of a thought by the government. If the government continues to take a stand on keeping quiet and not being serious about this matter, I am afraid it will give an adverse impact on the social development of this country which very much emphasizes eastern values.

I am not from those who are anti-entertainment, but I think entertainment should be done in accordance with the norms and ethics of society that are practiced in this country. This is because I view entertainment as an education for the public. If we educate the public wrongly, then the future of our beloved community will be destroyed. Entertainment should be implemented into the community to educate people and also the authorities should examine and screen entertainment organized by certain parties to avoid the existence of negative elements spreading into the community.

It is informed that the party responsible for approving the organization of concerts of international artistes is the Central Agency of Application for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) established and developed through the Cabinet meeting on June 6, 2001. It is clear that the approval of a foreign artiste’s concert promotion is under the responsibility of the Minister of Information, Communication and Culture.

Therefore, the ministry involved should establish strict policies in the procedure of the organization of concerts if there are parties who want to invite and sponsor any foreign artiste to perform in Malaysia. For example, only allow artists who are free of immoral images, attitudes and culture to perform in Malaysia. I'm sure there are still many international artists who are relevant to be invited to perform in Malaysia, for example, Maher Zain and Cat Stevens. Therefore, it should not be used as an excuse to the parties involved to continue allowing artistes who have no morals to perform in Malaysia by just thinking about the money alone without regards of the moral collapse that will spread into the community.

This Adam Lambert issue should not be politicized by any party, but should be taken and viewed from a professional and positive perspective for the good of all parties. This has to be taken seriously because it involves the future and the ‘aqidah of Muslims. Hence, a tight surveillance from the government mainly the Ministry of Arts, Heritage and Culture is imperative and very much needed. I invite the people of Malaysia to protest for this artiste’s concert and immoral artistes that can bring adverse effects towards the people of Malaysia.


MUHAMMAD FIRWAN NORLIZA,
PRESIDENT,
STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA 2009/2010

Islamic Fashion Festival (IFF), Where is the Islamic in it?

Recently, Muslims in Malaysia are exposed to the news of the organisation of the Muslim Fashion Festival at the international level whereby some of the models not only expose their ‘aurah, some were even shown wearing the word ‘Muhammad’ on their chests.

 

In actuality, the festival held in Monte Carlo on August 9 was not the first time it was held. It has been held several times before but this time the fashion in the festival is most definitely beyond the boundaries thus contrary to Islamic law. We can see and evaluate ourselves based on the photographs, which have been spread wide in the internet, how can we accept women’s fashion that exposes the hair, thighs, legs, chests, backs, shape of the body and then the name ‘Islam’ plastered on the fashion? Whose teachings are that who would say those are Muslim women clothing? Let us ponder God's commandments contained in Surah an-Nur ayah 31, which means;

And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards God, that ye may attain Bliss.

We also ponder the meaning of the sayings of the Prophet;

From Abu Hurairah radhiyallahu 'anhu, he said, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhiwasallam said, "Two groups of occupants of Hell that I never saw (during my lifetime): The people who have whips like the tails of cattle and they whip people with it. The second is women who are naked even though they are dressed, these women walk swaying away and the buns of their hair are those like camel humps. And such women as these will not smell the Heavens. Know that the smell of Heaven can already be smelt of such and such a distance."

[Hadith narrated by Muslim]

It is sad when we are told that this festival is organized by people who profess the Syahadah and are Muslims. It is not surprising when disbelievers portrait a bad image of Islam when Muslims themselves have followed in their footsteps. Perhaps the noble intentions behind such a festival is to display an 'Islam' image that is modern, moderate, progressive, and anti-terrorism. But the fact is that this organization seems simply to meet the needs of malicious enemies of Islam and following the West.

Customarily, Muslims in Malaysia would refer to the JAKIM halal stamp in choosing food, beverages, cosmetics, and products which are guaranteed halal and conform to the Islamic laws. In banking and finance it is definite for the bank to have its own Sharia panel to monitor and supervise all the procedures, terms and products branded Islamic so that it really does not deviate from the teachings of Islam. In fact, for all the da’i who want to talk and give lectures related to religious affairs in the mosque also need credentials from the Islamic religious department of the particular state as license of approval to speak about Islam.

So, we should ask the organizers of IFF where is the 'Halal stamp' of JAKIM which allows the name of Islam affixed with the name of their program? Or who are the panel of Islamic scholars and clerics that monitors and gives approval to that fashion given the brand of Islam? If such a thing could not be proved, it is reasonable for Muslims to rise and urge for the organizers to drop the word Islam from the festival in order to save the dignity of our religion from being tarnished in such a way. However, if the organisers still want to continue their noble intentions to promote Islam around the world, I DEMAND for the set up of a panel of Sharia experts that would monitor the designs to be issued and ensure that all relevant aspects of the festival is in compliance with Islamic law and free from immoral elements.

I also urge the organizers to publicly apologize for their actions which show fashion that goes against Islamic law. They must also promise not to repeat this heinous act in the future. In closing, let us ponder the words of Allah in Surah al- Ahzab verse 36, which means;

It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by God and His Apostle to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys God and His Apostle, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.

(al-Ahzab:36)

ZATIL ARIFAH BT MOHD AMIN,
VICE PRESIDENT 3,
STUDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL 2009/2010,
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA.

Jemputan Menyertai Hari Siswi 2011

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