Tag: Education

PKR: Immediate Action to Save Public Universities

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SHAH ALAM, September 11: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has expressed concern on the ranking drop of public universities in the country in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking 2013.

Member of Parliament for Pandan, Rafizi Ramli said that the Central Government and the people of Malaysia in general have to face the reality that public education institutions need to be saved.

“The fact that six out of seven public universities in the country are declining in their rankings should be taken seriously by all parties openly.

“Even more so when the best university in Asia is the National University of Singapore (NUS) which is ranked 24th, making it the best university in Asia beating universities in Japan, South Korea and China,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

This list is one of the three international university ranking lists that are influential and widely followed, in addition to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The report shows six out of seven public universities in Malaysia have dropped in their rankings.

The report is based on the six important indicators which are academic achievement, the ability to obtain employment and employer’s views, the ratio of students to teaching faculty, research references, international student body and teaching faculty.

The six local universities that have dropped in their rankings are the University of Malaya (UM) from 156 in year 2012 to 167 this year, the National University of Malaysia (UKM) from 261 to 269, University of Science Malaysia (USM) from 326 to 355 this year.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has dropped from 360 to 411-420, the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) from 401-450 to 501-550 and the Mara University of Technology (UiTM) from 601 to 701 this year.

Meanwhile, only one of the country’s institute of higher learning which is the University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM) rose from 358 in year 2012 to 355 this year.

“The problem of unemployment among graduates, especially Malay Bumiputera graduates stem from the declining quality of tertiary education every year which has been confirmed by the ranking of the country’s public universities,” said Rafizi.

He suggested six steps to restore the integrity and quality of public universities i the country in the next 10 years. He emphasised that this has to be mobilised starting from now.

The steps are: to restore academic freedom by giving autonomy to the University Senate without Government interference; to restore university leadership according to merit based on credibility, experience and integrity; to stop all political propaganda oriented activities or programmes or which stifles critical thinking of students; a scholarship system that gives the best place in the best universities in Malaysia to the best students; and the empowerment of the academic faculty credibility by bringing in the best teachers and researchers from around the world.

“I believe that these measures are the beginning in restoring the excellence of public universities in the country with the aim of having UM ranked in the world’s top 100 universities 10 years from now,” he added.

Selangor Students in Egypt Offered to Continue Studies in KUIS

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BANGI, SEPT 10: Selangor students who are continuing their studies in Egypt can continue their studies in the same field at the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS).

The Exco of Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Halimah Ali said that the proposal is to ensure that all students of Selangor under the sponsorship of the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) who are affected by the Egyptian crisis can safely continue their studies in the country.

“At least 1,200 Selangor students sponsored by the LZS (religious studies) are studying in Egypt. We are concerned for their safety in additional to the environmental risk which is not suitable for them to continue their studies there, so we are offering for them to continue their studies in the same field at KUIS,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Halimah said that 79 students sponsored by LZS who were supposed to continue their studies in Egypt has been directly absorbed by KUIS.

In the meantime, the Reactor of KUIS, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Abd Halim Tamuri said that to meet the requirements, KUIS is working to bring in lecturers from Egypt and Syria.

“The entry of these students will be adjusted in terms of the transfer of credit hours, (and) it also depends on their transcript there.

“On our part we will provide the best for them, including the providing qualified instructors from Egypt and Syria,” he said.

Egypt has been in turmoil since President Mohamed Morsi, who was democratically elected last year, was overthrown by the military regime on July 3, 2013.

CM: KUIS Aims to Achieve University Status in 2016

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BANGI, SEPT 10: To continue efforts to strengthen knowledge, the Selangor International Islamic University College (KUIS) seeks to achieve full university status by the year 2016.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that as a move to realise the plan, efforts to offer graduate and doctoral degrees are being pursued.

“This effort will begin with upgrading works and adding several new programmes at the undergraduate level in order to be competitive and keep pace with the changing times.

“In addition, diploma and degree students are also expected to make KUIS their preferred institution to further their studies in their masters degree as well as their doctorate in philosophy,” explained Abdul Khalid who is also the Chairman of KUIS.

Abdul Khalid said this at a press conference after the First Session of the 16th time of the KUIS Convocation Ceremony today.

KUIS which is wholly owned by MAIS was established in 1995. KUIS offers over twenty courses covering a variety of subjects such as Islamic studies, business studies, Islamic banking, language and communication, information technology, multimedia, nursing and education.

KUIS is now actively improving the quality of learning at the institution in line with the entry target of 6,000 students next year.

This year’s edition saw a total of 1,896 students from six faculties eligible to receive their respective Diplomas and Degrees which was presented by Abdul Khalid.

Also present at the convocation was the Exco in charge of Education, Dr Halimah Ali, the Reactor of KUIS, Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Abd Halim Tamuri, members of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) as well as parents and family members of the students graduating.

The convocation this time also awarded diplomas to 500 teachers of Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes from around Selangor who were enrolled in the Teaching Diploma programme.

The Teaching Diploma for KAFA teachers is part of on-going efforts in promoting Islamic education for the children of Selangor.

Clouds Envelop Muslim Countries: Anwar Ibrahim

Visit http://www.selangorku.com

Anwar: Umno-BN Government Should Upgrade Infrastructure Before Making it Compulsory to Pass the English Language

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SHAH ALAM, SEPT 7: The Umno-BN Government has been urged to improve infrastructure for the learning of the English language by year 2016 before implementing the policy to make it compulsory for students to pass the subject in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM – Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia).

Parti Keadilan Rakyat De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the absence of adequate learning facilities, especially in rural areas, only adds burden to students and teachers.

“Making it a compulsory to pass in inadequate conditions, including the quality of teachers, learning facilities and library facilities in rural schools, as well as Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools. The policy should be reviewed first,” said Anwar.

Prior to this, the Minister of Education, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that it would be compulsory to pass the English language subject in the SPM by year 2016 in conjunction with the launch of the Malaysian Education Development Plan 2013-2025.

“This is the problem of Ministers and political leaders who do not have continuity with the realities happening at the bottom,” stressed Anwar.

He said this during a press conference after delivering his keynote address at the World Islamic Revival Seminar at the Silver Jubilee Hall at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building.

Also with Anwar was the Chief Minister of Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Anwar also reiterated calls from many groups who want the Federal Government to raise and preserve the Malay language by ensuring that all students master the official language well.

“Mastering the Malay language should continue to be improved in terms of quality. This should be clear in policies and it is a master plan which should be done,” he stressed.

Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto Implementation Dialogue – Selangor 2014 Budget – 13 September

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This live discussion between the people and leaders is to receive input directly from the taxpayers to implement the Pakatan Rakyat Manifesto which was presented in the 13th general Election (GE-13).

Feedback from this discussion will be taken up in the 2014 Selangor State Budget.

“The Selangor Government is confident and believes that public opinion is very important in ensuring that all policies and plans outlined in the manifesto reaches the target group,” stressed the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

On September 9, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) Tower Gallery in Pandan Indah, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Banquet Hall and the Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS) Siantan Hall starting from 8pm.

On September 10, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Tower Lobby, the Sabak Bernam District COuncil (MDSB) Sri Bernam Hall and the Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS) Dato’ Abdul Hamid Auditorium Hall in Batang Kali starting from 8pm.

On September 11, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Subang Jaya Municipal Coucil (MPSJ) Multipurpose Hall in Puchong Indah, and for the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), it will be held at the Sports Complex Hall in Section 15, Bandar Baru Bangi starting from 8pm.

For September 12, the dialogue will be held simultaneously at the Empress Hotel in Sepang bandar Baru for the Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp), for the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) it will be held at the Bunga Tanjung Hall in Section 19, and at the Sri Jugra Hall in Banting for the Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) starting from 8pm.

Whereas on September 13, the dialogue will be held at the Hamzah Hall for the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) starting from 8pm.

IPTA Scholar Optimistic After PKR Aid

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BATU CAVES, Sept 2nd: Scholar Faezatul Haslina Hashim has a reason to smile now that her spirit has been lifted by a generous RM1000 worth of educational assistance from the Batu Caves ADUN, Amiruddin Shari. She can now continue with her studies at a local IPTA.

Faezatul, who recently lost her beloved father about a week ago, is still determined to follow her dreams to read Usuluddin and Philosophy at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

“I am extremely touched when my application for a bursary received attention from Amiruddin within one month,” said the young lass.

Faezatul received the bursary from Special Officer of the Community Service Centre, DUN Batucaves Shaharuddin Abu Bakar last Friday.

She plans to make use of the bursary immediately to pay for her studies at UKM.

“I’m continuing my studies at UKM based on my late father’s advise not to study in Egypt, since the country is in turmoil. I also have to look after my mother and two siblings who are still in school,” she said.

Faezatul was advised by the DUN for Batu Caves to apply for the Youth Bound For University Scheme, which is offered by the State Government for Selangor youths.

“I was also told that the State Government also offers the same assistance to students who are successfully admitted to higher institutions with plans to help Selangor people,” said Faezatul

PKR Leaders: Stop Forcing Pupils To Buy ‘Dimension 108’

SHAH ALAM 30th AUGUST – PKR is urging the Ministry of Education to desist immediately the sales of Dimension 108 supplements on pupils who are forced to buy them.

“It is truly unacceptable that there are principals who are abusing their positions by marketing this product to pupils.

Complaints were received from parents whose children are attending SK Taman Segar, Cheras. There are allegations that the school principal is forcing the pupils to buy the supplements. A similar case occurred in SRK Bukit Kemuning 2, Kota Kemuning, involving the vice principal,” said PKR leaders.

It was expressed through a joint media statement today from Members of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar (Lembah Pantai), Tony Pua (Northern Petaling Jaya), and Dr Ong Kian Ming (Serdang), today.

They also requested for the ministry to present a detailed review on the product’s efficacy and effectiveness on improving student’s performance in its pilot project in Mersing and Kota Tinggi, Johore.

Dimension 108 is supposedly capable of influencing student’s behaviour and mental brilliance for an improved academic performance in the upcoming UPSR examinations.

The PKR leaders also revealed evidence that shows the product’s stockholders, Glomind Enterprise Ltd, are staff members of the Ministry of Education.

“From the social networking site, Facebook, it has been revealed that Ahmad Abdul Rahman is working at the Ministry of Education. Clearly, this violates the civil service employment contract, not to mention a gross conflict of interest.

“Making use of the Ministry of Health to market the product at schools is unethical and probably illegal.

“We urge the ministry to investigate this matter. Parents have been asked to step forward to lodge a formal complaint to the ministry,” said the statement.

– FZL

Twenty-Five NGOs Urge Government To Halt PPPM 2013-2025

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SHAH ALAM AUGUST 27th: The Combined Action Commission (Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, GBM) has urged the government to gazette the Education Development Plan (PPPM 2013-2025) final report immediately, and delay the white paper implementation plan so as to allow the people an opportunity to provide final feedbacks

The GBM, which consists of 25 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), said they had delivered a 10-page memorandum to the government about the PPPM 2013-2025 last November 29th 2012.

“In the memorandum, we welcomed the Ministry of Education’s initiative to prepare a white paper that is all-inclusive and integrative.”

“Based on our understanding, it was aimed for the development and well-being of the entire nation’s education sectors, including religious studies.”

“We wish to voice our concerns because the education’s white paper was finalised without taking into account the findings and recommendations of civil organisations,” said the GBM in their media statement.

According to the statement, various important aspects of the concerns were addressed on the white paper, such as the national teaching philosophy, and both vocational and vernacular educations.

This also includes language teaching, student dropout issues and the teachings of history, geography, and literature.

“We plead with the Ministry of Education to consider extending the consultation deadline on the white paper so that the civil society organisations can be given the opportunity to review the revised draft,” said the statement.

The statement also revealed that the government will continue with their effort to implement the white paper.

A recent statement by the first Minister of Education, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, hinted that the PPPM will be launched this coming September 6th. The launch will not be delayed despite opposition from various parties.

“The GBM will not support and endorse the development of education in which, according to the Ministry of Education, contains 17,000 recommendations for change without reference to the final copy.”

“It is imperative to ensure that the 17,000 proposals for change are based on the principles of justice, equality, and inclusiveness across all ethnic boundaries and benefiting all educational institutions and communities.”

“The betterment of our young generation’s education deserves careful and meticulous considerations; not hasty policy-making and short-sighted implementations,” the statement concluded.

– MZA

School Administration Bans Students From Using Coalition Donated Computers

SHAH ALAM 26th AUGUST: A school administration here reportedly prohibited their students from utilising the computers donated by the Selangor government following conflicting political affiliations.

This was revealed by the President of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), R. Panner Selvam, to TV Selangor after he was informed by the school principal.

“This irrational behaviour will not benefit the students at all because we have a well-equipped computer lab that remains unused because of politics,” he said.

The ban began about eight months ago since the appointment of the new face of PTA on grounds that the laboratory was operating illegally.

According to Selvam, the school administration imposed a fee of RM70 per annum on students to cover the costs of maintaining the computer lab.

“Fees were collected from January or February, but there are no classes,” he said. He also claimed that the computer lessons were not on schedule.

Vice YDP PTA , Selvarajah Palaniappan, said that the school PTA already forwarded their complaints to the school administration.

The Bukit Melawati Coordinator of the DUN Community Service Centre, S Manikavasagam, said the state government spent RM85,000 in 2010 to purchase 45 computer units to assist student learning at SJKT Rasak Estate, Subang.

“This should not have happened because it shouldn’t even matter who donated the computers. The school should be able to benefit our community,” said the Director of the Complaints Bureau of the People’s Justice Party (PKR).

– FZL

PKR: BN Detached from the Reality of the Young People’s Difficulties

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PETALING JAYA, August 22: Despite BN bowing to the sharp protests of the people regarding the CCRIS issue, the actions of the related ministers however shows the BN is very detached from the reality of the young people’s difficulties who burdened by the PTPTN.

Today, PKR held a press conference to clarify the problems of new graduates who are ridden with debt the moment they begin to start a new life.

The following is the full press statement.

PTPTN DEFAULTERS REVIEW AND TWEETUP #PTPTN 29 AUGUST 2013

KEADILAN is very concerned about the PTPTN proposal brought up by the Minister of Education II, Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh, this week to list PTPTN borrowers in the CCRIS (Central Credit Reference Information System) Although Barisan Nasional eventually had to succumb to the sharp outcry by the people, the suggestion brought up by the minister shows that Barisan Nasional is very detached from the reality of the hardships of the young people who are burdened by the PTPTN.

Until now, we have not been informed whether any specific studies have been conducted by PTPTN or Barisan Nasional to understand the real reasons as to why the majority of PTPTN borrowers are facing difficulties in repaying their PTPTN loan.

The Federal Government has also not announced the following details which are very important to understand this problem comprehensively for the following steps to be in line with the cause of the problem, namely:

1. The profile of the monthly net income of PTPTN borrowers – how many of them earn over RM2,500 a month, how many are paid less than RM1,000 a month and so on.

2. The profile on the success of attaining a job or obtaining a job that is equivalent to their qualification or field – how many are still unemployed, how long it will take before attaining a fitting job, how many degree holders receive jobs with lower employment qualifications such as diplomas and so on.

3. The profile of the quality of Private Institutes of Higher Learning that impacts the ability of a degree holder to attain jobs – how many borrowers end up with a degree that is not recognised, how many colleges do not provide university-level facilities, the percentage of graduates from private colleges and Private Institutes of Higher Learning that attain jobs after graduation.

These are among the examples of information that is necessary to form a fair understanding of the young people’s debt problems.

Barisan Nasional never intended to explore the young people’s debt problems and took a rough approach by equating all PTPTN borrowers who have difficulties as being ungrateful and irresponsible.

KEADILAN urges Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh to not be so clever as to announce new measures to pressure PTPTN borrowers before the aforementioned information is fully researched and presented in Parliament.

Meanwhile, KEADILAN will pave the way towards understanding the debt problems of PTPTN borrowers by launching a research on PTPTN borrowers to gather the information listed above. All PTPTN borrowers can participate in this study by filling out survey forms that can be accessed from the internet starting from tomorrow, 23 August 2013. This study will be disseminated through social sites, Twitter and blogs.

The results from this initial study will be presented in a tweetup#PTPTN meeting which will be held on Thursday, 29 August 2013, 8.30pm at the MBPJ Library in Petaling Jaya. All borrowers/anti-PTPTN activists and community leaders are invited to participate in the tweetup which is also aimed at organising anti-PTPTN movements into a formal organisation which is more structured.

It is time PTPTN borrowers form a lobby organisation that is influential so that any party can discuss with them prior to making recommendations, to prevent the repeat of the proposed CCRIS listing.

NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
Vice President
Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai

RAFIZI RAMLI
Director of Strategy
Members of parliament for Pandan

NIK NAZMI AHMAD
Director of Communications
Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly

Anwar: Umno-BN Failes to Exercise Social Justice in Education

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SHAH ALAM, August 21: The Umno-BN government has failed to carry out their social justice responsibility in providing free education, especially to the needy.

PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he was against the proposal for the National Higher Educational Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to list PTPTN defaulters who did not repay their loan under the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS).

“This is further victimization of the borrowers by stigmatizing them financially after having already burdened them with the study loans,” Anwar said in a statement.

He said, the main issue which should be addressed is not government efforts to retrieve the loan, but it is their responsibility to implement social justice in the field of education.

According to the Member of Parliament for Pandan, Rafizi Ramli, the move to list PTPTN borrowers in the CCRIS is akin to being indifferent towards welfare, especially for the young people.

He said that this move will be used by financial institutions to deny housing, vehicle and personal loans to PTPTN borrowers registered by PTPTN in the CCRIS.

“It would seem that PTPTN borrowers have a ‘ladder fall of them after falling’ (jatuh ditimpa tangga, English equivalent – being kicked in the teeth after they are down), as they are already burdened by the high cost of living and low wages, and now, they are threatened by PTPTN to be denied the right to own a home and a car,” said Rafizi in his press statement.

He warned Idris Jusoh to not follow through with the intent to intimidate and punish the young people who took the PTPTN loan by listing them in the CCRIS.

“PKR will mobilise campaigns throughout the country to protest against this intent until it is cancelled by Barisan Nasional,” he said.