School children should not be made victims of political divide, says Dr Annuar

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Dr Annuar Rapaee

SIBU: School children should not be made victims of political divide as any sincere effort to assist  them towards attaining academic success ought to be welcomed, says Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee.

“There should be no concern about regulations if one is sincere in wanting to assist school children do well in their studies. All this assistance does not need to be in school. So why worry about the regulations and also why impose the regulation.

“Personally, I will help students in my constituency in whatever way and means and any restriction will not dampen my spirit and willingness to help with full sincerity,” he highlighted.

Dr Annuar, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health was reacting to Education Minister Maszlee Malik’s recent statement that opposition lawmakers must obtain approval from the relevant State Education Department directors before they could enter any schools.

In replying to a question from Jerai MP Sabri Azit in parliament last Monday (Nov 19), Maszlee reportedly said a circular had been issued regarding opposition lawmakers entering school premises.

In response, the Nangka assemblyman said: “Do not politicise education – do not make school children victims of political differences as this will be counter-productive for education.

“They (students) are the future of the country and so, let’s us join hands to help them as entrusted, be it leaders, teachers and the community at large.”

He stressed that what should be on the priority list now is repairing, upgrading and rebuilding of dilapidated schools to ensure students can learn in a conducive and safe environment.

Adding on, Dr Annuar listed the educational assistance to school children in his constituency to help them excel in their studies.

Among them are free tuition at An-Nur Mosque and longhouses, SPM_Click where free tuition are  provided at University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS), Nangka Education Camp during school holidays, financial assistance for students pursuing tertiary education through Nangka Service Centre  and special assistance to Bumiputera students entering UCTS through UCTS and Nangka Service Centre collaboration.

“God willing – next year, we will roll out free tuition on wheel. All this need not enter the school,” he said.