KUCHING: A Sarawak assemblyman yesterday hit out at a directive barring Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders from speaking in schools, calling it irrational and discriminative.
Muara Tuang assemblyman Idris Buang said it was part of their responsibility as members of the state legislative assembly to ensure that students receive the best education possible.
“We engage with the parent-teacher associations for updates on the schools and their students.
“We also give assistance for educational and sport activities as well as repair works. So why are we prevented from attending or officiating school functions when the schools require our assistance?” he said, adding that many schools in his constituency had trouble getting things done with the federal government.
According to Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Michael Manyin, the directive came from the federal Cabinet.
It allows GPS leaders to enter schools but bars them from giving speeches.
Speaking after the state assembly meeting yesterday, Idris said if the directive really came from Education Minister Maszlee Malik or his ministry, it had been made in bad faith.
Adding that it was “stupid”, he said it would only deprive schools and students of assistance from the state government.
“There is nothing in the law that can allow this type of directive,” he said.
“It is discrimination and a mockery of the liberty of subjects under the Federal Constitution. Is this the way federalism works in the Pakatan Harapan era?”
He added that the government should appreciate Sarawak’s willingness to help uplift schools in the state even though education falls under federal purview. – Free Malaysia Today
