This article presents an overview of the education system in Malaysia and highlights some issues pertaining to higher education. In addition, this article also looks at some issues specific to the teaching and learning of mathematics both at school and in the universities. Some data on students' achievements in mathematics examination at public examinations in secondary and post-secondary levels and schools and graduates and enrolment figures at public universities are presented. Discussions on the effects of the changes in the education system on mathematics achievements conclude the article. (Contains 5 figures, 1 table and 1 note.)