Datu Dr Penguang Manggil
MIRI: Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil wants the Ministry of Education (MoE) to make clear its review of the directive on opposition lawmakers entering schools for functions.
He was responding to the announcement by Minister of Education Dr Maszlee Malik that opposition lawmakers and leaders are allowed to enter school grounds as long as they submit an application to the Education Ministry and adhere to the existing rules and regulations.
Some of the rules include not campaigning or bringing flags on school grounds, Maszlee told reporters when met at the Parliament on Thursday.
“Does the ruling apply to ADUNs (state legislators), ministers or assistant ministers in the case of Sarawak? In Sarawak, we don’t apply to go to schools or officiate at functions in schools,” he said.
In asking for clarifications, he pointed out that Sarawak’s political leaders do not come empty-handed when invited to and officiating at school functions.
“Being invited guests, they present Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants to the schools through their parent-teacher associations and Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects to schools to improve infrastructure and facilities or in support of school activities.
“In my case, I have dished out more than RM2 million worth of RTP projects in two years in Marudi constituency,” he said.
He said keeping state cabinet members and elected representatives out of school would deprive Sarawakian students and the local community the opportunity of meeting their leaders.
“It goes without saying that we never campaign and bring our party flags to schools as alleged,” he said.
Nevertheless, he said rural Sarawakians are relieved at the decision not to prohibit legislators from joining school events.
Maszlee said under the previous Barisan Nasional government opposition leaders were not allowed to enter school grounds but now under the Pakatan Harapan government they are allowed to do so if an application has been made.
He denied claims that he had banned opposition leaders from entering school grounds, saying an application submitted by Umno’s Tanah Merah MP Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz would be approved by his ministry soon.
Penguang questioned the rationale for such application, saying it was not in line with the Malaysia Baru concept and spirit.
“Why no change in substance? This is not Malaysia Baru, it’s Malaysia lama in a new shirt,” he said.
He foresees the restrictions legislators would face in the event of disasters like an outbreak of fire or flooding if they have to apply and wait for approval to enter schools to assess the situation and bring assistance.
“Do we have to apply for permission and wait for the reply from the Education Department to be able to enter to render help and assistance?” he asked.