Ahmad Zahid and students pose for a group photo after the programme at Hajah Tuminah Hall, Rungkup. — Bernama photo
BAGAN DATUK: Rural schools should not be marginalised and must be given equal aid, rights and facilities just like urban schools to assist the teaching and learning process, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the rights should not be denied as lately there were many students in rural schools, both primary and secondary, whose achievements were at par or better than urban students.
“The handover of today’s aid is an indication that students from rural areas should also be equipped with the best facilities because evidence has shown that academic performance in the rural areas is now better.
“Schools in Bagan Datuk have recorded extraordinary results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
“What’s more, when the facilities are fully utilised, I’m sure their performance will be even bettert,” he said.
He said this when speaking at a programme to hand over computers and reading materials to 47 students from primary and secondary schools and kindergartens in the Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency at the Hajah Tuminah Hall, Rungkup here yesterday.
Also present were MHC Plantation Bhd managing director Tan Sri Mah King Thian, Rungkup assemblyman Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya and Bagan Datuk District Officer Datuk Hamzah Husin.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, said that good cooperation between the education sector, private sector and non-governmental organistions (NGOs) was hoped will spur schools to strive for greater excellence.
The computers and reading materials were donated by MHC Plantations Berhad, a company listed on the Bursa Malaysia with the cooperation of the Teluk Intan Rotary Club and the Bagan Datuk Service centre. — Bernama