Enrol into MRSM, Upko urges native students
Published on: Wednesday, March 04, 2015
Telupid: The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) has urged students from the native communities to enrol into Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM)."I know some are reluctant to do so, especially in recent times. Upko understands their feeling. But please, fear no more. We must encourage our children to study in MRSM, a proven academic institution," said acting President Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.He said one of the attractions in the MRSM is a guaranteed scholarship to study overseas given to those who score straight As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
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"Our communities have what it takes to excel academically. Last year, I was in the United States, in a function for students under the Mara scholarships. I felt so sad because there were none from Sabah. I urge our students and parents to work hard and grab the scholarships," he said.Tangau, who is also Tuaran MP, said this after officiating at the Program Khidmat Masyarakat, an event by the MRSM Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens, Sandakan in which they do various activities for the benefit of their adopted school, SK Entilibon."Today, the MRSM Sandakan had said openly that there had never been religious discrimination in their college despite guidelines to the contrary. Upko hails such pronouncement. "Mara is meant for bumiputeras, for natives. It is a special government effort to help our communities. It is there for the taking. The onus is on us to work smart and be eligible to be given the many facilities, especially the scholarships to study overseas," he added.
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Earlier in his welcoming speech, the MRSM Deputy Director Rizalmi Dahaman admitted the existence of guidelines which were not favourable towards the non-Muslim students but "not only was it not implemented, the MRSM actually ensured our Christian students were able to go to church every Saturday or Sunday and the likes."The MRSM guidelines, which went viral in social media last month, forbids all activities of any religion other than Islam to be carried out in the college. The rules also forbid the exhibition of any symbol of religion other than Islam.
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Under the same rules, non-halal food is also not allowed to be brought in. Upko and other quarters spoke against it and the guidelines have since been withdrawn.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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