Kuamut representative Datuk Masiung Banah
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah assemblyman disagrees with the government’s idea to set up a school specifically for students from hardcore poor families.
Kuamut representative Datuk Masiung Banah said while the plan had good intentions, the move could create a "caste system" in the nation’s education system.
He added that the plan was impractical as it would be seen as differentiating the people of Malaysia by status.
"It would be better for the government to upgrade dilapidated schools instead of establishing such special schools that would involve more expenditure," he said on Tuesday (Aug 15).
"Although the intentions are noble, it is however not relevant... because there are many more schools that are run down, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, still waiting to be improved," he added.
"The plan must be reviewed as it could bring about unwanted psychological effects to the students and their parents."
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said on Aug 5 that the government was considering a new type of school specifically for students from hardcore poor families.
He said this school would be set up within the framework of a science-based secondary and fully residential school system.
The idea was mooted during the "Meet Anwar" session at Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang.
"This will give a new meaning to humanity and justice for them.
"Access and opportunities must be given fairly (so they are not) left behind," Anwar said.
Masiung, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice president, said what was more vital was for the government to increase incentives and assistance to students from poor families.
He said government assistance should also reach the target group without too much bureaucracy.
Students, he added, must be exposed to better studying environments among their peers without having to be labelled by the living status of their families.
"I also think not many parents would want to send their children to schools categorised for hardcore poor students," he said.
Masiung said it was irrational for the Madani government to set students apart based on their status when the nation was moving towards an inclusive education system.
According to him, students at such special schools would feel inferior to their peers, adding there was a risk of emotional stress on such students when interacting with students from other schools.
"There are many ways the government can help hardcore poor students such as providing special buses or increasing the number of hostels besides providing basic necessities like uniforms and bags.
"Hence, a policy to assist hardcore poor students must be planned according to the needs of a state or territory," he said.
