Agree on the deterioration.
As for education I think the elite schools are masking the true condition of the education system. The non-elite schools have deteriorated since the 70s. They can't speak, they can't write, they can't articulate etc.
It was not like that in the past. If you came from an English school, you would have more than decent command of the language.
Aiyah. Write a few anggong sing a few syllables like a bird and feeling elitist only means you are an oversize parrot. The ability to count, leverage of software to count lifetimes of simulations and learn how to use tools to do the work of many men is considered educated. I know a Khaw who does not even know how to play Sim City and definitely cannot program.