語文教育改革的根本是教材的改革，而課程大綱是教材編制的依據。馬來西亞教育部於2000年尾定稿、於2001年初正式公布了一份全新的《中學華文綜合課程大綱》，並於2003年起分階段實施。本文首先探討課程、教材和大綱之間的密切關係，繼而簡介馬來西亞的教育改革，並分析新課程大綱的目標、內容和重點，從而帶出新課程的特點。新課程明顯是配合21世紀素質教育的要求在各方面作出的重大改革。整體而言，新課程應能配合社會的急速變遷，培訓具應變能力和競爭能力的創新人才，以面對全球化與國際化的衝擊。

Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has published a new syllabus for Secondary Chinese Language in 2000. The new syllabus outlined the content of the new Chinese Language curriculum that has been implemented in stages starting 2003. This article first gives a brief account of the close relationship among syllabus, curriculum, and teaching materials, and then describes the recent development of education in Malaysia. Finally, the article analyzes the content of the new Chinese Language syllabus. It is found that much innovation has been made in the curriculum, and its main objective is clearly stated. It reveals the commitment of Malaysia’s Ministry of Education in catching up with the rapidly changing and progressive world. The curriculum is designed according to the needs and requirements of quality education for the 21st century. Its implementation should achieve the main objective of cultivating young generation of Malaysia to be innovative and creative, equipped with knowledge and skills of information and communication technologies, and fully prepared to face the impact of globalization and internationalization.