Politicians, dignitaries must apply to hold programmes in schools

KANGAR - Dignitaries and politicians who wish to visit or hold programmes at any educational institution must submit an application as stipulated by the Education Ministry (MOE).

Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs, Education, Youth and Sports, Information and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee chairman Muhammad Azmir Azizan said the application must be made via the 2023 circular No 4 of the MOE at least 30 days before the visit or programme is held.

He said this when replying to a question from Datin Marzita Mansor (PN-Sena) regarding the circular issued by the MOE, which allegedly restricts any elected representative from participating in programmes organised by schools, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

"I also note the issue raised by every assemblyman and we will meet the relevant parties to streamline this matter so that it benefits the schoolchildren,” he said in also answering a question posed by Wan Zikri Afthar Ishak (PN-Tambun Tulang) in connection with the matter.

Meanwhile, Gan Ay Ling (PH-Indera Kayangan) said the issue should not be magnified because Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had previously explained that the ministry never restricted any parties, including government or opposition politicians, from visiting or being invited to attend programmes held on school grounds.

"I too was not allowed to enter the schools... politicians must not harp on this issue as the MOE provides equal treatment,” she said. - BERNAMA