Orang Asli may get special route to university next year

 

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob with the Orang Asli at a community service programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Rok in Bera, Padang today. (Bernama pic)

BERA: The government is considering a special admission pathway to Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) for Orang Asli as a move to provide the community with better access to tertiary education.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the programme, which is being studied for next year, shows the government’s special emphasis on the well-being of Orang Asli and their education.

“A special pathway can open up more opportunities to children of Orang Asli to pursue tertiary education. We are confident that it will see more of them graduate from UPNM.

“The progress and inclusivity of Orang Asli is an important agenda under the principles of the Malaysian Family to ensure that they too can shoulder the responsibility of developing the nation.

Ismail was speaking at a community service event of the Orang Asli development department and the university at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Rok here today.

Rural development minister Mahdzir Khalid, deputy education minister Dr Mah Hang Soon, Jakoa director-general Sapiah Mohd Nor and UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Hasagaya Abdullah were at the event.

Ismail said some educational aid that was discontinued under the previous Pakatan Harapan government had been reinstated, some with an increased allocation, to help Orang Asli children in their education.

“We are also facilitating the learning process for children of Orang Asli living in remote areas by providing them hostel facilities.

“We want to see more Orang Asli children pursue their education to the highest level possible, probably overseas, and not only to get a bachelor’s degree, but maybe a PhD,” he said. - FMT