Brief History of Education in Malaysia The history of education in Malaysia started with the emergence of 'Pondok' schools as well as Arabic and religious schools towards the end of the 19th century. In the early 20th century, educational institutions became more structured and worldly knowledge was included into the religious school curriculum. It was during the rule of the British that vernacular school were introduced. Schooling amongst the Malays started with the opening of Penang Free School in 1821.
	Looking at the background on education during the British rule, it seemed obvious that they were not too interested to develop local citizens through education. The inculcation of understanding and unity through education was never important. After the war, the restructuring of the education system became necessary, thus emerged the Barnes Report (1950) and Fenn Wu Report (1951). Although Barnes Report was considered the most comprehensive, revolutionary and influential ever published, it was not quite accepted by all races in the country. The report were reviewed and finally replaced. In 1955 the Government set up the Education Committee headed by the late Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Hussein. This Committee produced the Razak Report in 1956 which became the basis for the development of a National Education Policy.