PTPTN - Student Loans Should Be Repaid Not Waived

Are we not talking about student loans that were given to students at institutions of higher learning who would now be diploma and degree holders, who certainly would also be earning reasonably good incomes, and as such I do not see why Malaysia (or the government) should excuse these persons from repayment of their student loans? The failure of the BN government was the neglect in pursuing those who defaulted in their loan payments - and this apparently has resulted in a sum of RM24.7 billion owed to the National High Education Fund (PTPTN) by these persons, who certainly will no longer still be non-income earning students.

Their failure in repaying their student loans, where I believe their repayment obligations were also made easier, i.e. by reasonable installment payments. PKR's proposal that this debt be 'written-off', and those that have paid up their loans be rebated is unacceptable. 

Remember, that in Malaysia, we have more than 30% of workers who earn below poverty line wages. The country also has a debt of about RM450 billion. And the Malaysian government, has been withdrawing subsidies even on necessary basic essentials which have cost an increase in the cost of living of the poor Malaysians and their families. Hence, that oil and gas revenue can and should be used for so many other things other than benefiting these persons who have abdicated on their obligations to repay their student loans.[ see Malaysia's Debt - RM450 billion, Singapore - Zero; Malaysia's Debt 54% of GCP, Indonesia only 24%, Singapore 0]

Wooing voters is one thing - but this certainly is not the way. I would be interested in also knowing how many of our MPs, ADUNs, Senators, Local Councilors, public servants, etc who have not settled their PTPTN Loans, and if they have not settled and have also failed in their obligations to make their regular installment payments, I would go as far as suggesting that they should even maybe be disqualified from running for public office. A failure to repay student loans, especially to the government and to student unions, is an act against the people of Malaysia, would you not say so...

PKR offers formula to settle PTPTN debt

Koh Jun Lin 11:26AM Apr 11, 2012

The RM24.7 billion owed to the National High Education Fund (PTPTN) by students can be financed with just RM2 billion per annum from oil and gas revenues over 15 years, said PKR.

Its strategic director Rafizi Ramli said that RM2 billion was a mere fraction of the government’s oil and gas revenues, which he said stood at RM59.8 billion in 2010, including taxes on foreign oil companies.

Speaking a dialogue session with students in Shah Alam last night, Rafizi said in response to demands for a formula to PKR’s claims that it would write off PTPTN loans to defaulters.

“In other countries, oil and gas revenues would be placed in a separate fund solely meant for investing in the future, such as in research or education,” said the former Petronas senior manager.

He also said that the RM43 billion cost cited by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Saturday was misleading, because that is only the sum approved, but not the sum disbursed thus far.

Rafizi pointed out that official PTPTN documents showed that as of March 31, 2010 the fund had only disbursed RM24.9 billion.

“RM43 billion is a lie. The prime minister clearly lied when he said RM43 billion. Perhaps he was lied to, or his spin-doctor misinformed him.

“PTPTN’s information clearly shows that it is only half of that,” he said.

Rebates for those who paid

As a last resort, he said PTPTN loans could be refinanced by issuing bonds.

To be fair to borrowers who are repaying or have repaid their PTPTN loans, Rafizi suggested that a rebate should be offered for the RM2.8 billion collected up to 2011, whether in part or in full.

In order to fund future higher education, he said that the government should reverse the trend of encouraging higher education to be undertaken by the private sector, which he said started in 1996.

He said the government should build ten new public institutions of higher learning over the next ten years, with the goal of accommodating 100,000 students. The cost of tuition and accommodation are to be borne by the government.

“The abdication of the responsibility of the government in providing higher education to the society will have a severe financial, societal, and especially economic impact 20 to 30 years down the line,” he said.

In addition, he said more funds could be made available by cutting wasteful spending, especially in defence expenditure.

Sustainability

Rafizi suggested that there should be a new education fund for students who opt to study in private institutions.

However, he said, there would be few applicants for this fund if students can find vacancies in their courses of choice in public universities that are free and of high quality.

This in turn would force private institutions to consolidate and improve their competitiveness, which he argued would lower the cost of higher education even for those who opt to study there.

When asked by a member of the audience whether his model of funding higher education is sustainable once oil and gas resources have depleted, Rafizi conceded that it would not be possible.

He said the quality of local public institutions of higher learning would need to be improved to the point where it could attract grants and endowment funds, hence become self-sustaining and able to offer its own scholarships.

“Now that we still have about 20 years oil supply, we cannot delay a drastic reform to improve our education.” - Malaysiakini, 11/4/2012, PKR offers formula to settle PTPTN debt

Nonsense if wakil rakyats cannot enter schools, have dialogue sessions, etc

Well, it is absurd when the people voted in the Pakatan Rakyat parties to govern Selangor...or when the people have voted in a non-BN MP/ADUN for their area that they are not allowed to go visit (or be invited to) the schools and other facilities in their own constituency...

UMNO-led BN must understand what is the meaning of democracy...and this means the people choses their 'wakil rakyat' (people's representative), be it the MP, ADUN (and later on the Loacl Councillor) and when this happens it is their responsibility to look into the welfare of their constituents - and that must certainly include visits, having dialogue sessions, etc be it in schools, clinics, police stations, etc...i.e. any public facility, and it is really absurd that the Education Ministry have come out with lists of all who can be invited to schools and school functions...and I see in that list persons who have not even the wakil rakyat for that area. 

If I was the ADUN/MP, I would write a letter to the relevant public facility and state that I am coming for a visit at this day and time, and would also like to have a meeting with the said teachers, students, etc.. as the democratically chosen people's representative for the area..., and if the headmaster or OCPD says "No", I will certainly make it an issue and challenge that decision. Maybe, then I would arrange a meeting at a nearby hall, and I will hand out pamphlets inviting students, teachers and parents to attend. Then, we shall see what happens...

Duly elected reps have the duty and obligation to represent the people in the constituency - and to be an effective rep, they must be able to meet their constituents, have dialogue sessions, ...so that they can best represent them.

Using reasons like they cannot go is absurd...

When Pakatan Rakyat (and the Opposition Party) takes control of the Federal Government at the next General Elections, then they too must allow the BN reps to be invited to and attend school functions, etc... Why? They are the duly elected people's representative...

A circular that allows specified BN leaders to attend events organised by Selangor schools but keeps out those from Pakatan Rakyat, has been criticised as an example of double standards.

The circular dated Feb 16, 2009 states that the education minister has appointed 57 leaders from Selangor Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan to represent him at these events in the state.

Signed by the principal secretary to the minister, the circular was sent to the director of the Selangor Education Department.

It also states that the BN representatives have each been issued a certificate of appointment, copies of which were attached to the circular with a full list of names and posts held in the respective political parties.

When contacted, Hannah Yeoh, the DAP state assemblyperson for Subang Jaya said that - by implication - school authorities have to get the minister's permission to invite Pakatan representatives.

“(When the schools ask for permission), it is never given,” she claimed.

Yeoh had recently mentioned this in a tweet, in which she questioned the contents of the circular and said she had managed to obtain the list of 'approved' BN leaders.

“I am not allowed to attend any function in the schools in my area. This is not right as it sends the message to the children that you have to receive whoever you are given. They cannot choose their own leaders,” she said.

She, however, said she was allowed to enter her alma mater - SMK Subang Utama - after the Parents-Teachers Association (PIBG) stepped in.

“In my case, because the PIBG insisted, I was able to attend. So it shows that PIBG plays an important role,” she added.

'Clearly unfair' policy

DAP's Teratai state assemblyperson Jenice Lee confirmed the situation.

“Some schools had requested donations from me, but I was not allowed to go in and give a speech," she said.

There was one occasion where I had to hand over the cheque outside the school compound.”

“I know this has happened to many other Pakatan leaders, not just me and Hannah. And this is clearly unfair.” - Malaysiakini, 4/8/2010, Elected reps kept out of S'gor schools

Education Ministry's list of 'approved visitors' 

Or maybe, the reason why they have not been trying is because these wakil rakyat's are just lazy.....happy that there are restriction imposed by the Education Ministry, etc... There is no basis to disallow Pakatan Rakyat's duly elected people's representative when they allow not only the BN's elected reps but also some other politicians from BN. This, I believe, certainly is an infringement of Article 8 which demands equality...and abhors discrimination. Certainly, this does not fall within Constitutionally permissible discriminations.

If on the hand, the Education's Ministry's list did not contain politicians and other elected reps, but maybe only academicians and educationist, then maybe it may have been OK - but this list, that is found in the Malaysiakini report purportedly issued by the Ministry of Education is certainly, in my opinion, in violation of  the Federal Constitution.

They may call the list, a list of the official representatives of the Minister, and if so it must  reasonably be people from the Ministry - not UMNO-BN politicians. In fact, there is no persons from the Ministry at all - all are UMNO, MCA, MIC...and (1)Gerakan politicians (Side issue, what about the other component parties of BN??). What about the Deputy Minister? 

Wakil rakyat's should write to schools and say that they want to attend a particular school function, and maybe even have a dialogue session, or even give a speech....and then let us see the reply that comes. If the reply, is that they cannot come because there is  a clear restriction by the Ministry (or Federal Government), then we have a stronger case. Now, the letter just talks about the Minister's representatives...and there is nothing there that say that 'wakil rakyat's', if they are Opposition cannot have any functions in the school, with the teachers, parents and/or students.. Of course, the Minister can chose whoever to represent him - and this is what this strange list is all about, odd because it only contains BN politicians and no one even from the Ministry.

Dissolution of non-Muslim religious societies in government schools?

The issue of the closure of all non-Muslim religious societies/clubs in Klang High School was highlighted by the Sun, in particular Citizen Nades, and it makes me wonder why this was  not first highlighted by the wakil rakyats (the MPs and/or the ADUNs) or even those appointed Local Councilors. Did people go to the 'wakil rakyat' and get no prompt response? Do people have more faith in journalist like 'Citizen Nades' than elected and/or appointed 'peoples' representatives'?

"...a note came from the department – the Kelab Agama Hindu, Kelab Agama Buddha and the Christian Union have to be dissolved immediately..."

Don’t poison children’s minds

REGULARS of this column would have remembered the number of times this writer has reiterated that he would not write on race, religion or politics. The reason for this was simple – I have always believed in one race – the Malaysian race long before 1Malaysia, and that religion is a personal thing and that none has the right to advocate one is better than the other. As for politics and the dirt it brings out, the least said, the better. Yes, I mix with politicians from both sides of the divide (some of them have become good friends) but except for the general elections when all hands are on deck for a small crew like ours, the intra and inter-party bickering, the name calling, accusations and the lies that are perpetrated become unpalatable.

I am making an exception, nearly eight years after my self-imposed gag-order. I am doing it reluctantly after seeing how children at the age of 12, are being compelled to see themselves being segregated by race and religion. It sad that almost every issue is seen through the eyes of race or religion. Even scholarships for good students who excel academically are transformed by certain parties into “you got more than me” games. What is more pathetic is the one-upmanship practised by a few and the many who wait on the sidelines to score cheap political points. And yet, we go around talking about integration, unity and the like, and not practising what we are preaching.

There’s religious education and there’s the learning of one’s mother tongue or what they called “pupil’s own language” in our days in school. On Friday, I took a trip to my alma mater after more than 40 years (I used to go for its sports day or play cricket but these were limited to the school field). While waiting to meet the principal of the Klang High School, I couldn’t help but read the notices on the board. One involved the enrolment in what has now become a co-educational school. It gave the breakdown of the enrolment of each class by gender and race. The statistics made interesting reading and we will save it for another day.

The visit was prompted by complaints from parents that the “headmistress has dissolved all non-Muslim religious societies” in the school, which I later found out, was not true. The decision was not made by the headmistress – it was made by the Selangor Education Department.

Since the headmistress was not around, she asked one Mrs Chen, the teacher in charge of co-curriculum, to address the issue. She had a chat with me. “I am new. I only came in February. When I took over the guru besar asked me to check if all the clubs and societies in the school have been approved by the department. I went through the files and there were no approvals. So, I was asked to write to check if they had been approved.”

She wrote in March and last week, a note came from the department – the Kelab Agama Hindu, Kelab Agama Buddha and the Christian Union have to be dissolved immediately. An announcement to this effect was made at the school assembly last week.

But hadn’t these societies existed in the school for years? No one raised an issue; no one objected to their existence and as usual, students were allowed to take part in them. Were they previously in existence illegally and students who had participated in them could be considered past members of “secret societies”? It is merely an administrative decision to legalise (for the lack of a better word) these clubs. Couldn’t the school be told to make a fresh application for approval pending which activities can continue? How come they have to be dissolved while similar clubs in other schools can continue to exist?

As many students are members of these societies and as co-curricular activities form part of the grading for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations, it is causing concern. With three months to go before their exams, why are students put under such pressure? Do they now have to scramble to be members of other societies?

My umbrage is on two issues – don’t mess with our children’s education and don’t inculcate differentiation or classification to children based on religion. They will start viewing things from a racial and religious perspective. Once these are ingrained in their minds, no amount of program muhibbah or kursus toleransi is going to help. For the sake of the future of this nation, stop messing around with our children – the leaders of the future.

R. NADESWARAN'S “homecoming” was somewhat sombre seeing and hearing the deterioration of standards at the Klang High School which gave him a foundation in education, sports and leadership. Comments: citizen-nades@thesundaily.com

And, reading another report in the Sun, we find out that this is not the first time this has happened. Early 2010, it also apparently happened at SMK SS17, Subang Jaya. It is shocking to hear that the Education Department may have been acting on its own - surely this should not be happening...and the UMNO-led BN government cannot just simply avoid responsibility by saying that it was done by some department or 'public servant', acting on their own. 

It must be a fundamental right for all religious groups to able to have their own society/club in schools, universities... and the State(government) should also not interfere with this right with the imposition of conditions, etc..

In a multi-religious Malaysia, maybe there is also a need for having prayer rooms/chapels for non-Muslim religions in government/private buildings. As a start, there MUST be prayer rooms for non-Muslim religions in all Hospitals - both government and private hospitals. When a loved one's life is in risk, friends and relatives really need a place where they can go and pray...

No such directive, says Nazri
by Llew-Ann Phang, Hemananthani Sivanandam and Meena L Ramadas

Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz

PETALING JAYA (July 12, 2010): The decision to dissolve non-Muslim religious societies in Selangor schools may have been taken unilaterally. 

 

Education authorities are now conducting inquiries as to how the Selangor Education Department came about with this ruling.

The issue came to light following revelations in Citizen Nades’ column today that non-Muslims societies at the Klang High School have been ordered to be dissolved.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz told theSun that the issue came as a real surprise to him because the Cabinet had never made such a decision.

“I have been a minister for the past 10 years and I have never come across a decision whereby non-Muslim religious societies are not allowed to be in school. 

"This is a real surprise because as far as I’m concerned, the Education Ministry is under the Federal government and I’m very sure the Cabinet has never made any decision about it. I think they (the Selangor Education Department) should withdraw it,” said Nazri, adding that he would raise the matter in the coming Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong has ordered checks immediately.

“I have asked for a full report but it will only be ready in a week," he told theSun.

Nades’s column revealed that the school’s Kelab Agama Hindu, Kelab Agama Buddha and the Christian Union were dissolved two weeks ago. The union had been in existence since 1969.

Parents of students had written in to say that the “headmistress has dissolved all non-Muslim religious societies” in the school. 

However this was not true, as upon Nades’s visit to the school, he learnt from the teacher in charge of co-curriculum that the decision was made by the Selangor Education Department.

She claimed she had been asked by the headmistress to check if all the clubs and societies had been approved by the department but she found there were no approvals for these clubs.

Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon

Klang High School is not the first school to experience the shutting down of non-Muslim religious clubs as this has in the past happened in other schools.

Earlier this year, parents of SMK SS17, Subang Jaya were also told that similar clubs at the school were closed as they were not registered with the State Education Department.

Meanwhile, the Selangor government said it did not issue any directive for schools to disallow the establishment of non-Muslim societies.

State executive councillor for education Dr Halimah Ali said in fact, most schools in Selangor do not welcome the state government's initiatives for them.

"The federal government education agencies also do not communicate with us," she said, when asked for comment at the state assembly today.

In the meantime, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon is also keeping a watchful eye on the matter with the intention of briefing the prime minister if the directive is found to be widespread.

An officer from Koh's office said the minister was concerned and is conducting his own checks.

Here are some other views on the contentious directive:

>> Former Malaysian Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam, who held the position of principal assistant director of Selangor schools for co-curriculum in the 1980s was appalled when he heard about the closures.

“I do not remember having any religious societies being dissolved. This comes as a big shock to me,” he said, calling for deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is Education Minister to look into the issue.

Vaithilingam reminisces when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was the Education Minister he made it clear that the teaching of religion other than Islam can be done out of school hours in schools.

“These societies have been existence for a long time and even when I was in service, Klang High School, along with Anglo-Chinese School in Klang, were top performing schools and they had these societies running in their schools,” he added.

>> Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism (MCCBCHST) said such a move has "very serious implications" and that a prompt explanation should be given to parents and the public.

Its president Dr Thomas Philips said if indeed it was true that a such a directive was given, the council will protest the policy "with the strongest possible vehemence."

>> Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk S. Devamany meanwhile blamed “little Napoleons” for such decisions.

He said there is nothing wrong in having societies teaching children good value and system which cannot be incorporated in the curriculum.

“We should allow students, teachers and parents to get involved in this for the good of the child. That should be the paramount job of any teacher. Why are they stopping this? If they are stopping this I’m totally against this,” said the Cameron Highlands MP.

“ We don’t want such leaders to be in the system. These are the people who will create problems to this nation and destroy the 1Malaysia concept mooted by the PM.

"We must investigate first, if there is truth, immediate action must be taken. Let’s nip the problem in the bud,” said Devamany.

>> PKR’s strategist and Batu MP Tian Chua said that it was vital for children to understand the diversity, multiplicity of religion and mutual respect to each other.

“This should be encouraged and children should learn how to be tolerant in a Malaysian society. However, to have various committees could also be quite divisive if all children just want to play up the differences. 

“I think there should be a balance on how to give guidance to children so they understand the diversity, otherwise I can also share the concern that each of the religious society can also be a mobilising point for religious politics,” said Tian Chua.

He said that proper guidance and integration should be given to people and said that banning all religious societies is a regressive move.

Nurul Izzah Anwar

 

>>Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar said Muslims and non-Muslims should be exposed to the different believes and practices in early stages.

A former student of SMK Assunta, Nurul Izzah said such exposure can help people in the long run to achieve the 1Malaysia aspiration.

“I had first-hand experience but I think it’s good to allow Muslims or Chinese or Indians to be exposed to the different beliefs and practices from the beginning. I mean when else can you see nuns coming and singing hymns and saying prayers?

“Initially it was quite different seeing all these, seeing nuns singing hymns and reciting morning prayers but after a while it helps you develop your own sense of confidence in your own religion and have intelligent conversations with people of other faiths. I think it really helps to have that,” said Nurul Izzah.

>> State executive councilor for caring government Dr Xavier Jayakumar said all children should be allowed to join and form their own cultural and religious groups.

“It is very sad to read that schools do not allow the formation of non-Muslim societies and impose this on the children,” he said.

He said just as Muslim children have the ability to join cultural or religious societies that they identify with, non-Muslim children should be allowed to do the same. -- theSun

And, the MCCBCHS has also issued a statement on the matter (which I have copied from Lim Kit Siang's blog, and pasted here)

Why have non-muslims religious societies in Klang High School been dissolved?

MCCBCHST MEDIA STATEMENT

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism (MCCBCHST) notes the report on page 8 of The Sun (12 July 2010) that in Klang High School “… the Kelab Agama Hindu, Kelab Agama Buddha and the Christian Union have to be dissolved immediately” and that an announcement to this effect was made at the school assembly last week.”

There are very serious implications of such an action and therefore MCCBCHST seeks immediate confirmation from the Selangor Education Department whether this has indeed transpired and if so, a prompt explanation should be given to parents and the Malaysian public at large as to the reason/s for such a directive. If in fact such a directive had indeed been given, MCCBCHST would like to express its disappointment that there was no prior consultation with it over such a serious matter as this.

Owing to the gravity of such an issue, the Ministry of Education too cannot remain silent.

Needless to say, if indeed such a directive to close non-Muslim religious societies in schools or to not permit the setting up of such societies in schools, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Unity should not be in doubt that MCCBCHST shall protest such a policy with the strongest possible vehemence.

MCCBCHST with its member bodies shall, however, be ready to assist the Ministry of Education in any way we can to ensure goodwill and mutual respect amongst all Malaysian students.

Rev. Dr Thomas Philips,
MCCBCHST President,
12 July 2010

Still thinking - whether education for all, refugee can work?

In Malaysia, there were more than 2 million documented migrants, and, in my estimate, more that 5 million undocumented migrants, of which only about 200,000 at most may be asylum seekers and/or refugees. Whilst the majority of undocumented migrants are from neighbouring Indonesia, it is estimated that there are about 700,000 undocumented migrants from Burma.

Given this fact, one must be more concerned about these undocumented migrants, their children and families. What about their healthcare, education, etc...?

Of late, there has been talk that the Malaysian government is considering to allow asylum seekers/refugees to work in Malaysia whilst they await their departure to the 3rd country, and Member of Parliament for Seputeh asked some relevant questions and have gotten some answers. I have pasted the relevant posting from her blog, and have taken the liberty to do a rough translation of the question asked by her, and the answers from the Malaysian government. The rough translation is in bold red colour.

From my reading of the answers:-

* Malaysia does not recognize refugees - there are undocumented migrants.

* Malaysia has no specific laws for refugees - and as such asylum seekers/refugees are all dealt as document migrants or undocumented migrants under the Immigration Act - maybe besides asking for the ratification of the UN Convention, we could ask Malaysia to have a specific Malaysian law to govern asylum seekers/refugees and their families/dependents. The Malaysian government can have their own procedure and standards on conferring a person the status of asylum seeker (temporary or permanent), or even refugee status.

* Can refugees work? Well, the government is still studying the possibility

* Can children of refugees/undocumented migrants get education? No chance for formal education in government schools, etc BUT the government is ready to work with other in providing " alternative education" - very vague answer. 

No jobs for refugees and no education for refugee children, says Foreign Ministry

June 19th, 2010 by Teresa Press

The Foreign Ministry’s response to my Parliament question shows us how little the Government cares for the refugees in Malaysia. Not surprising that just three days ago, a report released by Amnesty said that Malaysia is a “dangerous” place for refugees who were often often abused, arrested and “treated like criminals”.

Once again, I urge the Ministry of Human Resource to give temporary work permits to the refugees in Malaysia. This will not only help them survive while they are being processed by UNHCR, but will also help ease Malaysia’s labour shortage which is ultimately to our own benefit. Enough of the “masih mengkaji” excuse!

Pertanyaan: Bagi Jawab Lisan [Question for an Oral Answer]
Daripada: YB Puan Teresa Kok Suh Sim [Seputeh]
Tarikh: 9 Jun 2010
Soalan: YB Puan Teresa Kok Suh Sim minta Menteri Luar Negeri Menyatakan bilakah kerajaan akan membenarkan orang pelarian negara asing di Malaysia untuk bekerja di Malaysia? Apakah langkah diambil oleh kerajaan untuk memberi pendidikan kepada golongan generasi kedua orang pelarian tersebut?

Member of Parliament Teresa Kok Suh Sim asks the Minister of Foreign Affairs to state when the government will allow foreign refugees in Malaysia to work in Malaysia? What are the steps taken by the government to provide education for the 2nmd generation of these refugees?

Jawapan:

Tuan Yang Di Pertua,
Saya mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Yang Berhormat Seputeh ke atas soalan yang dikemukakan.

Tuan Yang Di Pertua,
2. (sic) Untuk makluman Dewan sekalian, Malaysia bukan merupakan negara pihak kepada Konvensyen Berkaitan Status Orang-Orang Pelarian 1951 dan Protokolnya 1967 (Convention Relation to the Status of Refugees 1951 and its Protocol 1967), yang menjadi asas bagi menentukan taraf pelarian bagi seseorang individu. Kerajaan berpendapat sekiranya Malaysia menjadi negara pihak Konvensyen tersebut, dan disoking oleh faktor kedudukan geografi Malaysia yang strategik di rantau Asia Tenggara, ianya akan menjadi faktor penrik kepada individu-individu datang ke Malaysia dan menuntut taraf sebagai orang pelarian, padahal, mereka sebenarnya datang ke Malaysia atas alasan mencari nafkah.

For the information of this House, Malaysia is not a party of the Convention Relation to the Status of Refugees 1951 and its 1967 Protocol, which forms the basis of determination of refugee status of an individual. The government, is of opinion, that if Malaysia becomes a party to that Convention, and considering the factor of Malaysia's geographical location that is strategic is South East Asia, it will certainly be a pull factor for individuals to come to Malaysia and claim refugee status, when in fact, they really come to Malaysia to earn a living.

3. Oleh kerana tidak ada undang-undang khas bagi orang pelarian di negara ini, isu orang pelarian adalah tertakluk di bawah Akta Imigresen 1959/63 (Pindaan 2002), di mana ke semua mereka dianggap sebagai Pendatang Asing Tanpa Izin (PATI).

Since there is no specific laws for refugees in this country, the refugee issue comes under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Ammended 2002), whereby they are all considered Foreign Migrants Without Permission (PATI)

4. Memandangkan orang-orang pelarian ini dianggap sebagai Pendatang Tanpa Izin (PATI), dan dengan ketiadaan dokumen pengenalan diri yang sah, ini menyukarkan pendatang tanpa izin ini memasuki alam pekerjaan. Dokumen pengenalan diri yang dikeluarkan oleh pihak UNHCR tidak diiktiraf oleh pihak Kerajaan kerana Malaysia bukan merupakan negara pihak kepada Konvensyen Berkaitan Status Orang-Orang Pelarian 1951 dan Protokolnya 1967.

Considering the fact that these refugees are considered as Foreign Immigrants Without Permission (PATI), and in the absence of valid identification documents, it is difficult for these Foreign Migrants Without Permission (PATI) to enter into employment. Identification documents issued by the UNHCR is not recognized by the government since Malaysia is not a party to the Convention Regarding Status of Refugees 1951 and its 1967 Protocol.

5. Saya difahamkan bahawa Kementerian Sumber Manusia masih mengkaji dengan teliti cadangan membenarkan PATI yang mendaftar dengan pihak UNHCR di negara ini bekerja secara sah di Malaysia. Ini memandangkan terdapat beberapa isu perlu dikupas seperti pentapan sektor yang benar-benar sesuai dengan mereka yang berkenaan yang terdiri daripada pelbagai warganegara, agar tidak menjejaskan peluang untuk rakyat tempatan mendapatkan peluang pekerjaan.

I am given to understand that the Ministry of Human Resources is still studying thoroughly the proposal of allowing Foreign Migrants Without Permission(PATI) registered with the UNHCR to work legally in Malaysia. This is because there are several issues that have to be considered thoroughly such as the determination of the sectors that is truly suitable for them that come from various nationalities, so that it does not affect the opportunities of local citizens  from getting jobs.

6. Mengenai pendidikan untuk generasi kedua PATI yang mendaftar dengan pihak UNHCR pula, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia tidak mempunyai dasar bagi memberi pendidikan formal kepada generasi kedua PATI yang telah mendaftar dengan pihak UNJCR memandangkan mereka tidak mempunyaiu dokumen pengenalan diri yang sah. Walau bagaimanapun, selaras dengan usaha memberi pendidikan untuk semua, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia sentiasa bekerjasama dengan pelbagai agensi sama ada dalam kerajaan, pihak swasta dan badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGOs) dalam menyediakan pendidikan alternatif kepada generasi kedua pendatang-pendatang yang berkenaan.

 On education for the second generation of Foreign Migrants Without Permission (PATI)which have been registered with the UNHCR, the Education Ministry have no policy for providing education for the 2nd generation of PATI registered with the UNHCR given the fact that do not have valid self identification documentation. However, in line with the effort to provide education for all, the Malaysian Education Ministry is always ready to cooperate with various agencies be they in government or not, the private sector and non-governments; organizations(NGOs) in providing alternative education to the 2nd generation of these migrants.

Sekian, terima kasih.

Should we cut education subsidies in Malaysia?

What are the items that the Malaysian Government is currently subsidizing? And, should these subsidies be removed? Why is the government subsidizing these items? To ensure that the prices of these items are low so that the people in Malaysia can afford to purchase them. It must be noted that subsidies are usually for the bare essentials.

Education - how much is each student subsidized? At primary schools? At Secondary schools? At Universities locally? At Universities overseas?

- Subsidies ensure that all students only need to pay a nominal school fee/exam fee & school books are also provided free. [You want more books - buy it. You want some private school, where you pay fees of RM2,000 per semester - go ahead.] 

- Should education subsidies be removed? NO

- Maybe, we should cut down subsidies/monies spend for those going overseas for education - given the fact that Malaysia today has more than sufficient local universities. Maybe, the courses should be restricted to those not available locally - and maybe for post-graduate degrees only. It is far cheaper to hire top grade professors to teach at local universities than sending hundreds thousands of students overseas...

BN kills democracy in school. No elections only appointment by HMs...Schools no freedom of choice.

Democracy is something that must be promoted. The culture and value of democracy must be cultivated from young.

People choose their own leaders/representatives
- NOT the government choose and appoint the leaders
- NOT the Teacher choose and appoint the student leaders..prefects..etc

Now the UMNO-led BN Government  has ordered all schools - and told them to do away with 'students' participation' in the election of prefects? [Does this also apply to school societies, uniform bodies, sports teams - no more democracy, teacher-in-charge choose and appoint the leaders???]

GEORGE TOWN: Schools must stop conducting elections to choose prefects because such appointments are the prerogative of the principals.

State education director Ibrahim Mohamad said the directive came from the Education Ministry.

“I want to inform all schools to stop such practices. There is no need for an election for prefects.

“Headmasters and principals should appoint suitable candidates,” he told school heads during a Chinese New Year luncheon at the education department yesterday.

On Feb 12, some 2,000 students of SMK Raja Tun Uda in Bayan Baru experienced an election atmosphere when the school carried out its election for prefects over two days.

A total of 56 candidates from Form 1 to Form 4 stood for the election.

It was held with the help from the Penang Elections Commission.

SMK Raja Tun Uda is the only school in the state to have carried out such an election.

On a separate matter, Ibrahim urged schools to be prudent in managing their finances but that training for teachers must go on.

“Schools must continue conducting training courses for teachers – we are waiting for funding from the ministry and once we receive it, we will disburse it to the various schools.

“Meanwhile, you must not use that as an excuse not to train teachers,” he said, admitting that he was unsure if the federal training allocation of RM200 per teacher would be available this year.- Star, 26/2/2010, 'No' to prefect polls, appointments by principals

FREEDOM - schools, headmasters, teachers should have the freedom to conduct elections or not - why is the government depriving them of choice, freedom...?

DEMOCRACY - this culture and practice must be inculcated from a young age. Students should be allowed to choose their own leaders..

***But, then they are talking about school prefects - and these really are not the leaders of students, but merely the 'school police personnel', who serve the headmaster/teachers in ensuring that all the other students follow the 'laws' ...and catch them when they do not. Prefects are agents of HMs/teachers - and are really 'anti-students'.

But, in Malaysia, we do not have true democracy because the government still chooses and appoint community leaders (be it the Ketua Kampungs/Kampung Baru/Taman Perumahan/Kampung Orang Asli, JKKKK, JKKKT, Local Councillors or even Pakatan's Majlis Perwakilan Penduduk]

This kind of practice happens in a dictatorship, authoritarian regime, feudal society ....but certainly not in a democracy.

GOVERNTMENT SAYS YO THE PEOPLE

Oh people! You are 'immature'...stupid - incapable in chosing your own local leaders, so "WE" will choose them for you. You just listen and accept. Do not protest. WE know what is best. You have no CHOICE in the matter.

When Pakatan Rakyat also behaves in the same manner like the BN when it comes to the question of 'true democracy" - then the people really have not much of a choice, do they

Wrong for Education Department to intefere in Parent-Teacher Association - Respect freedom of opinion

It is outrageous - it is certainly not a democratic action..

The problem is that when the UMNO-led BN government decided to revert back to using Bahasa Melayu in the teaching of Science and Maths - it was not at all done democratically. There never was a referendum.

REFERENDUM - that is the way a government gets the feedback of the people...but not in Malaysia, for here the PM decides (and all the Cabinet possibly just follow suit) ...

UMNO decides...and the rest of the BN component parties just follow... [Did the various BN parties even do a referendum/poll amongst its own members?]

Let us listen to these 'minority views' - or is it in truth the views of the majority?

After all, should not parents and the students themselves have a bigger say in the language that would like to study Maths and Science?

Where do the PM and the Ministers (and the 'big-guns' in society) send their children to study? In the local schools and universities...just like all other Malaysians. I do not think so - and it is an irony that it is they wh0 decide on the schools, the curriculum, the language of instructions, etc...

Decisions that affect the people of Malaysia must be decided by REFERENDUM by the people always.... we have to start becoming truly democratic in Malaysia...

Maybe, the Malaysian government should do a referendum about ISA and the other laws that allow for Detention Without Trial [ A poll on the Home Ministry website is certainly not enough...]

Parents of SMK Seri Hartamas students are fuming over a directive to bar a meeting to voice their opposition over the reversal of the policy to use English as the medium of instruction for science and mathematics.

The Parents-Teachers Association's (PTA) extraordinary general meeting was supposed to have been held in the school compound this morning, but the Education Department, through the school, had ruled the meeting null and void.

As the decision was handed orally to the PTA late yesterday afternoon, many parents were not informed and gathered at the school gates, only to be disappointed.

Though unable to hold the meeting, the parents were however able to witness one agenda of the intended EGM, which was to count ballots slips from parents stating whether they wanted the teaching of science and mathematics to continue in that school.

Of the 553 ballots counted, an overwhelming 97 percent were in favour. A total of 1,310 ballot slips were issued to students to hand over to their parents.

PTA president Salmah Abu Bakar (photo, left) said the results of the poll would be forwarded to the prime minister and education minister along with an appeal.

"We want to tell them that the teaching of science and mathematics in English is good for this school. We want to be exempted," she said.

Salmah said many parents sent their children to this school because of its high standard of teaching in English, thus the PTA wants status quo maintained.

'EGM by the book'

PTA deputy president Azimah Abd Rahim said the EGM was called "by the book" and there was no reason for the authorities to bar the meeting.

"We understand that PTAs in many schools nationwide want to hold similar EGMs and they are facing the same problems. We hope they would be allowed to do so," she said.

According to Azimah, there was no written instruction stopping them from holding the meeting and teachers did not take part in the PTA's activity today.

PTA committee member Mazidah Mohd Zin said she was worried that her child who had learnt science in mathematics in primary school, would have to revert to Bahasa Malaysia just two years before sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

She is concerned that her child would have problems adjusting in such a short period of time and is hopeful that the government would consider the PTA's appeal.

Another parent, Yee Li Li, said that she has two children in the school, and the youngest, now in Form 1, had urged her to act as she had already undergone six years of primary schooling in English for the two subjects.

"I'm representing my daughters who themselves are opposed to the language switch," she said. - Malaysiakini, 8/8/2009, Language switch: Gov't bars parents-teachers meet

Free Education at government schools for all children of migrants in Malaysia...

Education for children of undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia was the question that was raised by Teresa Kok (DAP Member of Parliament) to the Minister of Education. Below is the question and answer (with my translation of the question and the answer into English). See below.

Malaysia has ratified the Child Rights Convention, but have had a reservation on the right to education.....

CONVENTION ON THE CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

Convention on the Children’s Rights was officially accepted by consensus by the 44th Assembly of the United Nations on 20 November 1989. On 26 January 1990, the Convention was open for signature while celebrating the 30th anniversary of Children International Year (1979-1989). Convention on the Children’s Rights was implemented on 2 September 1990 after 30 days it was recognized by 20 countries.

The Malaysian Government had signed the Convention on the Children’s Rights on 28 December 1994 and implemented it on 7 February 1995. However, the government had made reservation on the clauses 1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 15, 22, 28, 37 and 40 because they are against the national policy, laws and practice. However, those reservations will be reversed when situation and time are suitable to the government. On 25 February 1999, the government had reversed several reservations while maintaining reservation on clauses 1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 15, 28 para 1(a) and clause 37.

Generally, the Convention on the Children’s Rights sets in motion for the government to be more responsible towards the well-being of the children by recognizing their rights. The Convention also elucidates the children’s needs which are different from the adults. - Official Website of the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia

Note that Malaysia has a reservation with regard to even something as basic as free primary education for all children...

Article 28

1. States Parties recognize the right of the child to education, and with a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal opportunity, they shall, in particular:

(a) Make primary education compulsory and available free to all;- Convention on the Rights of the Child

The said Parliamentary Written Question and Answer, which I have taken from Teresa Kok's blog. The translation to English is mine.

PEMBERITAHUAN PERTANYAAN BAGI JAWAB LISAN DEWAN RAKYAT
PERTANYAAN : LISAN
DARIPADA : YB TERESA KOK SUH SIM
TARIKH : 16 JUN 2009 (SELASA)

SOALAN/ QUESTION :

Puan Teresa Kok Suh Sim (Seputeh) minta MENTERI PELAJARAN menyatakan bilangan anak pelarian yang belajar di sekolah rendah dan sekolah menengah di Negara kita dan prosedur memasuki sekolah tempatan. Memandangkan keturunan pelarian dan orang asing tanpa izin di Negara kita ini semakin meningkat, bagaimanakah kerajaan menangani masalah pendidikan di kalangan keturunan orang asing tanpa izin dan pelarian tersebut.

Madam Teresa Kok Suh Sim (Seputeh) asked the Minisiter of Education to state the number of refugee children that are studying in primary and secondary schools in this country, and the procedure for registering these local schools. Since the numbers of refugees and undocumented migrants are on the rise in our country, how will the government deal with the problem of education for children of the said refugees and undocumented migrants. [A rough translation by me from Bahasa Melayu to English]

JAWAPAN/ANSWER :

Tuan Yang Di-Pertua.

Kementarian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) menghargai sumbangan kementerian-kementerian lain dan pihak NGO dalam usaha menangani isu pendidikan golongan pelarian dan pemohon perlindungan. Walau bagaimanapun, pada masa ini Kerajaan masih mengkaji secara terperinci implikasi sekiranya kanak-kanak daripada golongan ini diterima masuk untuk belajar di sekolah kerajaan. Sehubungan itu, satu kajian menyeluruh berkaitan “Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Tanpa Dokumen Pengenalan Diri Di Malaysia” sedang dijalankan sekarang oleh KPM. Namun, pada masa ini kanak-kanak tersebut mendapat pendidikan yang disediakan oleh pihak NGO dan sukarelawan daripada kaum pendatang dengan kerjasama UNHCR. Agensi Kerajaan juga ada menyediakan pendidikan seperti yang dilakukan oleh Pasukan Petugas Khas Persekutuan (Sabah dan Labuan), Majlis Keselamatan Negara bagi kanak-kanak tanpa dokumen di Sabah dan Labuan.

The Ministry of Education of Malaysia(MEM) appreciates the contributions of other Ministries and NGOs in dealing with the issue of education of refugees and asylum seekers. However, at this time, the Government is still studying the implications if children of these groups were accepted into to study in government schools. In line with that, a comprehensive research is being conducted on "Education of Children Without Identity Documents in Malaysia" now by MEM. However, at this time the said children are getting education provided by NGOs and volunteers from amongst the migrants with the cooperation of the UNHCR> Government agencies are also providing education as is being done by the Special Federal Taskforce (Sabah and Labuan), National Security Council for children without documentation in Sabah and Labuan.

We really must campaign for education for all children - irrespective of whether they are children of locals or foreigners - irrespective whether they are refugees, asylum seekers or undocumented migrants.

All children should have access to free education in government schools...In Thailand, all children have access to free education in Thai schools until they complete their secondary education...If the childrens do not have identity document - temporary identity documents could be provided by the government of Malaysia (Ministry of Education). Caring Malaysians, I believe, will not be complaining about the cost of educating these children..

Bahasa Melayu versus English? Political Games or real issues?

English or Bahasa Melayu? Which language should Science and Maths be taught in?

About 6 years ago, the government suddenly changed its policy and started teaching Science and Maths in English....and now, 6 years later, people are protesting this and asking that we go back to using Bahasa Melayu..

Interestingly, amongst the groups protesting are the the PKR, PAS...and also aparently the Dong Zong, the Tamil Foundation, SUARAM and civil society groups.

Faisal stressed that the movement was multiracial, saying that the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) had been formally invited into the coalition. Representatives of the Tamil Foundation Malaysia were present at the launch.

The problems of PPSMI

PKR Youth exco Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said that PPSMI compromised constitutional sovereignty.

"This is treachery to the spirit of the Constitution, which affords special status to Malay as the national language," he said.

Nik Nazmi added that the current policy prejudiced students from poorer backgrounds and widened the gap between the middle and lower classes, as those proficient in English tend to live urban areas and are more likely to come from higher-income families. - The Nut Graph, 1/2/2009, Parties join forces to fight PPSMI

GMP telah mendapat sokongan terbaharu daripada Majlis Permuafakatan Persatuan Ibubapa & Guru Nasional (PIBGN) yang mempunyai 8000 persatuan PIBG di seluruh negara. Pihak Suara Rakyat Malaysia(SUARAM) bersama 53 persatuan lain telah turut sama menyokong GMP. Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI (GMP) Website, Bersama Menjayakan Himpunan Aman 100 Ribu Mansuhkan PPSMI - 27/2/2009

What is the history?

It seems that '...The change to medium of instruction in Bahasa Melayu began in 1970 for Standard 1 and by 1983 the whole exercise was completed in tertiary education .Which means we’ve used Bahasa Melayu as medium of instruction for Maths and Science for 32 years..." and the shift in policy, i.e. the teaching of Science and Maths in English started in 2003.

From the Education Ministry website (which as usual has not been updated for some time with regard to this page..), a brief history of the usage of Bahasa Melayu in the Malaysian system of education..

Bahasa Melayu in the System of Education
1957 . Compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools
1970 . Medium of instruction in Standard 1
1975 . All English Primary Schools were converted into National Primary Schools
1976 . Medium of instruction in Form 1
1979 . Medium of instruction in Form VI, arts stream
1980 . Medium of instruction in Year 1 of arts faculty in universities
1981 . Medium of instruction in Form VI, science stream
1982 . Medium of instruction at all levels in schools
1983 . Medium of instruction for all courses in universities
Source: Ministry of Education Website

There must be choices - and maybe compulsory education of subjects in one language may need to be abolished.

Maybe, there must be options available to studying Maths and Science (and other subjects), in Bahasa Melayu or English or Mandarin.

When we slowly stopped the usage of English for teaching of all subjects, save English, from our schools, there was definitely a deterioration in the grasp of that language - and that becomes an impediment, if and when our students wants to further their studies overseas, where English is the medium of instruction.

We must note that Malaysia has also, at the same time, not been very serious in the promotion and usage of Bahasa Melayu at the higher levels. We cannot really find many reference books in Bahasa Melayu in our bookshops and libraries. Look at Thailand - where all kinds of books and magazines are also translated into Thai.

Bahasa Melayu is used by persons in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Southern Thailand, ....

...today Malay-Indonesian ranks around sixth or seventh in size among the world's languages. With dialect variations it is spoken by more than 200 million people in the modern states of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. It is also an important vernacular in the southern provinces of Thailand, in East Timor and among the Malay people of Australia's Cocos Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is understood in parts of the Sulu area of the southern Philippines and traces of it are to be found among people of Malay descent in Sri Lanka, South Africa and other places. Source: Bahasa Indonesia: The Indonesian Language

And another source reveals:

Language list by number of speakers

(Number of speakers in millions, as of midyear 1991; includes native and non-native speakers)

 1. Mandarin (China)  885
2. English   450
3. Hindi   367
4. Spanish   352
5. Russian   294
6. Arabic   202
7. Bengali   187
8. Portuguese   175
9. Malay-Indonesian 145
10. Japanese   126
11. French   122
12. German   118
13. Urdu (India, Pakistan)  94
14. Punjabi (India, Pakistan)  87
15. Korean (Koreas, China)  72
16. Telugu (India)   69
17. Tamil (India, Sri Lanka)  66
18. Marathi (India)   65
19. Cantonese (China,
 Hong-Kong)   64
20. Italian    63
21. Wu (China)    63
22. Javanese (Java, Indonesia)  60
23. Vietnamese    59
24. Turkish    56
25. Min (China, Taiwan,
 Malaysia)    49
26. Thai    48
Source:- Major Languages of the World

Looking at the facts, it makes sense having a good grasp of Bahasa Melayu

Of course, if we also have a good grasp of English - then it is better still

And, if we have a good grasp of Mandarin, it is even better still...

Good grasp of languages is important when it comes to furthering studies overseas..and for relating/communicating when it comes to business,etc.

Still strong in his convictions that the move to start using English for the teaching of Science and Maths is our former PM - Mahathir Mohammad

The former premier explained that Malaysia cannot any longer offer itself as a cheap labour country.

He explained that with Malaysia's population expected to hit 35 million by 2020, a mass consumer market would make local manufacturing more viable.

"Against this, expect increased and less restricted imports. We must be more competitive and develop skills in hi-tech products and we must pay higher wages.

"The days of low labour costs would have been over before 2020," he said.

He noted that local workers must then be highly qualified and be trained in higher skills. Training of workers must be done at specialised training centres with computer programmes needed to carry it out.

"What all these means is that specialised education and training would become big business. The training centres would also cater for foreign students if we use English as a teaching medium," he said.

But chances are, the local highly trained workers would still cost less than similarly trained workers in the developed countries, which could mean a shift of some middle range hi-tech industries into Malaysia.

He added that although the country's present advantage was still the ability to take instructions in English, there would be a spread of the English language capabilities in China, Vietnam and other competitors.

"I hope the teaching of science and mathematics in English would continue.

"But I am not sure. If the decision is made not to, then the hi-tech industries are going to bypass us," he said. - Bernama, 8/8/2008, Malaysia Needs To Manage And Adjust To Higher Cost Economy, Says Mahathir

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi seems to be non-commital - apparently waiting for the Education Ministry's report...

The issue in these protest is not so much for a decreasing on the emphasis of English mastery - but more the manner in which the promotion of the usage of English is currently done. They seem to be saying teaching the subject of Science and Maths in English is not the way...

On the ground, the problem seems that it is the teachers that are having difficulty teaching in English now. Students seem to be able to cope. Remember, only teachers above 47 years studied Science and Maths in English - the others studied it in Bahasa Melayu - in fact they studied all subjects in Bahasa Melayu, except for English language.

Of course, this 'teething problem' is expected - and it also did happen when suddenly teachers had to teach in Bahasa Melayu.

It takes time...at least 15 years before we will see the emergence of the 1st batch of teachers that also studied Maths and Science in English.

The poor grasp of English by teachers today will also impact the teaching and hence the achievements of students - there will be a drop in performance.

The shifting back to Bahasa Melayu after 6 years will also bring about an adverse effect to students who have been studying Science and Maths in English for the past 6 years.

We need to study this matter - maybe even have a referendum, after providing Malaysians the pros and cons...Let the people decide.

Some of these who are now promoting the reversion back to using Bahasa Melayu in Maths and Science may be doing it just to fulfil some political agenda.

After all, the struggle seem to be a unifying struggle having the capacity of bringing Malaysians from different ethnicities and religious beliefs together.

It is also a good issue that puts UMNO and the BN against the wall, does it not?

But politiscs and political games aside, this is a serious issue and decisions should not be made speedily as it will affect our children and their future.

The biggest victims will be the poor and those from the rural areas - for the rich and the middle class are already resorting to private education institute and extra classes to increase the English language grasp of their children.

It also irks me that many of the proponents of language rights are sometimes hypocrites themselves.

When it comes to their own children, they really do not sent them to the Tamil schools (for the advocates of Tamil education) or Bahasa Melayu schools ... It is all 'politics'...

Even our past Prime Minister Tun Razak - did not want to send his kid to the schools in Pahang, he sent Najib to St Johns - and when it came to secondary education, off went Najib to England...

Najib is the eldest son of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, and was born in the district of Kuala Lipis in the state of Pahang on 23 July 1953. He received his primary and lower secondary education at one of the leading schools in the country, the St John Institution. He then continued his secondary education at the Malvern Boy’s College, Worcestershire, England. Upon completion of his secondary education, Najib enrolled at the University of Nottingham graduating in 1974 in industrial economics. - Who is Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak?

In fact, I believe that many of our 'leaders' children never get their education fully (from Std 1 to Form 6) in the Malaysian government schools.

They shout about the 'goodness' of the education system in Malaysia - but alas, when it comes to their very own children, what they say is good for all Malaysians certainly seems not good enough for the kids of these political/economic elites of our society.

I am also concerned about the reason why this teaching of Science and Maths in English have today become an issue, after 6 years...

The Education Minister is also wondering...

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein is puzzled why only now, after six years, is the policy of teaching of Science and Mathematics in English being demonised. "Why is there a police report six years later... only after six years it (the policy) is being questioned on a constitutional basis, only after six years they have a gathering?" he asked.

Hishammuddin was commenting on the demonstration and handing over of a memorandum protesting against the use of English in the teaching of Science and Mathematics in schools at Istana Negara yesterday.

"This is more so when whatever decisions to be adopted can only be implemented next year with Year One students." - New Straits Times, 8/3/2009, Why bring up issue 6 years later?

Is it all just politics...and political games...to be 'more Melayu' in wooing the support of Malays?

What is the percentage of Bahasa Melayu usage in our education system - I believe that it is used for all subjects save English, Maths and Science - so, talking about it being a violation of Article 152 of the Federal Constitution is rather lame..

Persons have the right to prootest ...to peaceful assembly- and definitely the actions of the police again have to be strongly condemned...

Police came down hard on some 8,000 people taking part in a protest march from Masjid Negara to Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

MCPX

They cordoned off the road leading to the palace, firing rounds of tear gas at the crowd as they approached the palace.

The march was organised by the coalition against the teaching of science and maths in English (GMP).

GMP, known in its Malay name as Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI, is a coalition of 14 NGOs. Some of its pro-tem committee members include opposition politicians. - Malaysiakini, 8/3/2009, Language march: Tear gas fired