Shame on Maszlee Malik, for playing like BN

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 19 Nov 2018 11:10PM · 9 Comments

TODAY’s statement from our Minister of Education, Dr Maszlee Malik, that opposition MPs must obtain approval before they can enter schools is indeed extremely disturbing. 

If I recall correctly, it was not too long ago that the BN government did something similar. Opposition MPs, or for that matter, any member of opposition parties were not allowed to give speeches in schools at all. Dr Maszlee has defended his actions by saying that he doesn’t want opposition MPs to “spread hatred” and whatnot. Opposition MPs will need to abide by “conditions and prerequisites before they go (into schools)”. He went on to say that this was to prevent lies and hatred from being spread in schools. He went on to say that government MPs will come to schools to explain government policies.

Is this not a clear case of double standards? Is this not akin to censorship or perhaps even brainwashing? This is also a form of bigotry. In coming out with this statement you have also indirectly said that all opposition MPs are liars and spreaders of hate. 

Why the fear of letting opposition MPs speak in schools? If they say something that you disagree with or that is against the government, then counter it with a statement or explanation. Let the children and teachers decide. Let them interpret it for themselves. Surely censoring of diverse opinions is detrimental to the intellectual well being of our children.

While you’re at it, why not ban books that go against what you think. Ban critical thought and critical discourse as well. One book that surely must be banned is “On The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin”. After all, some say that this piece of literature contradicts the existence of God and as such we should ban it. It could cause hatred. 

Let’s make sure all students and teachers only support Liverpool, (although I much prefer Arsenal), as supporting different football teams could lead to fisticuffs and hatred as well.

I could go on but I should not make light of what I find an extremely ridiculous policy. 

Schools are the place where our children should be exposed to all sorts of ideas and opinions. They should be allowed to discern for themselves what they believe to be right or wrong. They should be encouraged to ask questions and develop an inquiring mind. They can only get this if they get a balanced view from both the government and the opposition.

You will have those that will say that schools should be free of politics and that is definitely an ideal situation. It would have been so much better if you had simply said that political speeches should not be allowed in schools. You could even have gone so far as to say that any MPs invited for official functions in schools should go in their personal capacity and not in their political capacity.

Choosing to single out opposition MPs means that you are quite happy for the government to go in and spew their own propaganda in schools. This is wrong. Making it difficult for opposition MPs to enter schools and share their thoughts is not only a sign of arrogance but also of cowardice. Tsk, Tsk, Dr Maszlee. This is most unsavoury behaviour for a minister. 

You are playing the same game that the previous government did for 61 years. A game of threats and of brainwashing. A game that the rakyat grew tired off and that is the only reason you are in power right now. The question is, for how long? If you keep this up, I won’t think for very much longer. We, the rakyat, are watching and we have learnt that we have power in the ballot.

* Dharm Navaratnam reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.

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Comments

  • All schools should be free of political interferences by ruling or opposition parties

    Posted 5 years ago by TTs Take · Reply

  • The school is a place of education. Dont corrupt education with political innuendos.

    Posted 5 years ago by TTs Take · Reply

  • Just replace Maszlee Malik with the Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz. Maszlee Malik is just incapable of being a Minister. Why are we paying him so much for him to experiment on our kids? Tun M, we are getting really, really fed up and angry with all the useless ideas of this incompetent minister. In the private sector, he would have been sacked.

    Posted 5 years ago by T E · Reply

  • It is good to monitor the oppositions rather regret later.

    Posted 5 years ago by Thiagarajan Ramasamy · Reply

  • Theologians usually don't make good politicians. Our sentimental friend simply can't make farsighted and fair decisions based on universal human values.

    Posted 5 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • I believe the angle should not be on the freedom of speech aspect, but more to the appropriateness of making schools as a campaign avenue. If we allow anyone to come and give political speech, its a waste of the students time, brainwashing them from all angles instead of teaching them. Of course if anyone from the government who holds a government position comes and give a talk on policies or facts, thats different, but caution must be exercised so as not to make it a political campaign instead.

    Posted 5 years ago by Nur Ashikin · Reply

  • All politicians should be banned from giving political speeches in schools.

    Posted 5 years ago by Yoon Fatt Ng · Reply

  • Politicians regardless of opposition or governing parties, other than the minister and deputy minister, should not be allowed to enter any schools.

    Posted 5 years ago by Rupert Lum · Reply

  • ALL politicians shld be banned from schools and universities and places of education.Theres enuf going on outside and on internet that is easy access to anyone seeking info.

    Posted 5 years ago by Dephy Oon · Reply