Concerned about future of education, Maszlee hints he won't support budget

 

Independent lawmaker Maszlee Malik has given the impression that he would not vote in favour of Budget 2021 in the Dewan Rakyat this evening.

Although he made no mention of his stand, the former education minister, however, clearly expressed his disappointment and frustration in a media statement this afternoon.

The Simpang Renggam MP said he posed seven crucial questions to his successor Mohd Radzi Md Jidin when debating the budget on Nov 16.

“However, when delivering his winding-up speech, the minister ignored the questions.

“The questions concerned the fate of children from poor families, school canteen workers and school bus operators. There is an urgent need to look into their woes,” he added.

Furthermore, Maszlee said the public does not see a clear long-term plan with regard to education post-Covid-19, especially for the “lost generation.”

Educationists have warned that the movement restrictions and school closures due to the pandemic could put the future of an entire generation at risk if the government and stakeholders fail to make efforts to prevent disruption to the education system.

Mohd Radzi Md Jidin

Maszlee said the education minister also failed to answer his question if parents and teachers' associations were consulted before important decisions were rolled out.

“To date, there has not been a single initiative in the budget which impacts the teachers, students or parents. Furthermore, those who are part of the education ecosystem such as canteen operators and school bus operators also do not receive any benefit from the budget.

“Forgive me for saying this, but the budget tabled is not a Covid-19 budget. The fate and future of education in Malaysia remain vague.

“These serious issues must be taken into consideration. This is important to enable MPs to decide on whether to support the budget or otherwise,” he added.

Previously, the New Straits Times had quoted educationists as stating that the flood season has compounded the problems for schoolchildren, with the lack of Internet facilities at flood relief centres affecting online lessons.

To prevent the creation of a “lost generation”, the educationists said authorities need to address the digital divide and reopen schools (with staggered schedules), distribute devices and set up hotspots mainly at community centres, B40 localities and flood relief centres, and deploy mental health experts to support teachers and students. - Mkini