Maszlee wants students to stop asking for financial aid at meetings


Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik (left) says the mentality of students continuing to ask for financial aid proves there is a gap between them and society. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Nazir Sufari, October 30, 2019.

EDUCATION Minister Maszlee Malik has expressed his disappointment with university students who keep asking for financial aid each time he holds discussions with them.

Maszlee said, while the ministry understood the financial constraints of the students, their monetary issues should not be the only talking point every time there was a dialogue.

“Frankly speaking, I am a little disappointed. In many of my dialogue sessions with students, they repeatedly ask me for financial assistance.

“This is very distressing. I have given the mandate to all vice-chancellors of public universities to handle this issue, in line with the autonomous spirit we are committed in practicing, ” he said at the national meeting of the student consultation committee (MPPK) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, today.

Maszlee said the government has already re-established the student union, which will provide part time jobs for students in their respective universities.

“This mentality has proven that there is a growing gap between university students and society.

“This is why I brought up this issue here. Hopefully the MPPK can discuss this matter critically,” he said.

“There is a lot we need to change and I am confident that the existence of the MPPK working with the cabinet will produce a beneficial outcome,” he said.  – October 30, 2019.


Sign up or sign in here to comment.


Comments


  • Maszlee never ceases to amaze with the incredulity of his statements. Financial hardships weigh heavily on the people as their main concern and priority is to survive. How do you focus on other no doubt important issues like the curriculum, free speech, racial integration etc when your belly is empty most of the time and you not sure where you going to find the money to get the basic necessities. Not all can find jobs. The market is tight. Maszlee just pivots away from the issue. Wonder whether he sleeps well knowing his stomach will not know hunger?

    Posted 4 years ago by Michael Raj · Reply

  • This is a chicken and egg story where student and Mazlee r not wrong also. Students themselves need to be creative in looking for part time jobs if they need extra money to spend while Mazlee wants to focus on bigger issues rather that money aid issues. If you ask any ordinary people, money is never enough for one's spending.

    Posted 4 years ago by Chong Choong Kian · Reply