‘They can study at govt schools if criteria met’

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LAUNCHED: Tawfiq (third left) declares open the meeting.

TAWAU: Children who are Malaysian citizens without documentation can study at government schools or government-aided schools if one of their parents is a Malaysian and also have a letter of recognition from their local community leader or village chief.

Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said such group of children would have the opportunity to attend school if they could fulfill the criteria.

He was confident that issue on children’s documentation and schooling would not be raised again in the future.

In previous years, Tawfiq noted he had received many complaints about such matter where many children were unable to go to school due to documentation problem.

He was speaking at the launching of ‘Program Jerayawara’ on schooling problem among children who are Malaysian citizens without documentation at the hall of SJKC Sin Hwa here yesterday.

The Education Ministry and Sabah Education Department organised the programme.

“Hence, I strongly warn all the local community leaders or village chiefs to carry out their responsibility fairly and without any element of bias, and not motivated by self interest.

“Although such matter is not happening in Tawau and Kalabakan parliamentary areas, I hope they could continue to perform well and ensure all the children would not be deprived of education as they are the future leaders of this country,” Tawfiq pointed out.

According to him, all children should go to school upon reaching the minimum school-going age and it is vital for them to enjoy educational facilities just like the other children.

Earlier, Tawfiq declared open the First Annual General Meeting of Alumni Masat (Maktab Sandakan & Tawau) at Tawau Teachers Institute here yesterday.

Tawfiq said the Alumni could generate close networking between its members and the community. He also contributed RM2,000 to Alumni Masat.

Meanwhile, Tawau Teachers Institute director Masni Madat said Alumni Masat is a formal association to carry out various welfare activities for the benefit of the members and community.

It acts as a bridge between the members and society. Alumni Masat which was set up in June 2011has a current membership of 500 people, led by president Mohamad Latip Katip.

At another function, Tawfiq officiated eyes and dental check camp 2011 held at SK Wakuba here yesterday morning.

The camp was organised by Ophthalmology team and eye specialists from Tawau Hospital. It was sponsored by CIMB Bank and CIMB Islam. The eyes and dental check-up camp is free for all the villagers while Tawau Umno sponsored spectacles for those who are under hardcore poverty group.

Tawfiq hoped the villagers could give priority to their children’s education.

He also wished more government-linked-companies (GLCs) or Non-Governmental Organisations(NGOs) could play their corporate social responsibility to help the community.