Meritocracy key to protecting minorities, says PKR veep

 

A top student at a local public university recently drew attention to the lack of meritocracy in the Malaysian education system.

PUTRAJAYA: PKR vice-president Awang Husaini Sahari has emphasised the crucial role of meritocracy in safeguarding the interests of minority groups in the country.

He said as long as there is no level playing field in education, meritocracy stands as the preferable choice.

“How can Sabah and Sarawak compete with schools in Selangor? The gap is too wide.

PKR vice-president Awang Husaini Sahari.

“Meritocracy must be established to protect the minority group,” he said during the PKR congress held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Last week, a top Indian student at a local public university boldly raised the issue of meritocracy in his speech at an award ceremony.

In his speech which went viral, M Nahvin, who received the Royal Education Award, drew attention to the lack of meritocracy in the Malaysian education system.

Nahvin, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (artificial intelligence), cited the example of his friend who obtained SPM results nearly as good as his but failed to get a place for matriculation.

Meanwhile, Husaini emphasised the importance of having a good strategy for the Sabah elections.

“Let’s not touch on whom we will work or form the government with, or who to collaborate with.

“What’s most important is that we need to determine how we approach the state polls, so that the people of Sabah can have confidence in what we do,” he said.

Previously, Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor had hinted at the possibility of the next state elections being held as early as next year, although the state government still has about two more years left to its term. - FMT