PETALING JAYA, May 17 — Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today he took the post of education minister since there are many "uneducated” Malaysians.

He also announced that there will be just a single education ministry, instead of splitting the higher education portfolio with a separate minister.

"I took on the post because there are many people who are uneducated,’’ Dr Mahathir joked when asked on the reason behind his choice.

Dr Mahathir added he is keen to revamp the education module to keep up with the times

"The system that we have now is outdated,’’ Dr Mahathir said, explaining Putrajaya will consider using new technologies such as computers and teaching software to aid teachers.

Dr Mahathir had previously served as education minister between 1974 and 1977 under Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and Tun Hussein.