LDP: Malaysian students priority, not Palestinians
Published on: Tuesday, September 03, 2024
.jpg "LDP: Malaysian students priority, not Palestinians")
“What plans or strategies does the Ministry have in place to support Malaysian families, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, who cannot afford higher education for their children,” David said.
Kota Kinabalu: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong said the Ministry of Higher Education’s primary responsibility should be to Malaysians instead of foreigners.
“It is deeply troubling that millions of Ringgit are being directed towards Palestinian students, especially when many talented Malaysian students are forced to forgo higher education due to financial constraints,” he said in a statement.
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His statement came in response to the recent decision by the Ministry to allocate financial aid to Palestinian students.
“We demand a clear explanation from the Ministry on how it justifies such spending while overlooking the needs of our own citizens,” Ong said.
“What plans or strategies does the Ministry have in place to support Malaysian families, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, who cannot afford higher education for their children,” he said.
He said the misallocation of resources represents a serous failure of the Ministry’s duty to support its own citizens.
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“Neglecting the education of our own people is not just a mistake but a serious failure that perpetuates poverty and widens inequality in our society.
“I urge the Ministry to immediately reassess its priorities and redirect resources to address the real needs of Malaysians,” he said.
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He said humanitarian aid is meant to address immediate and essential needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare during crises.
“If higher education is deemed essential, as its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir suggests, then humanitarian aid should also be provided to impoverished Sabahans and Sarawakians without delay.
“International aid should not come at the expense of our own citizens. Imagine a parent who helps other children with better education while neglecting their own child’s needs.
The child would understandably struggle to understand why others are prioritized over their own needs.
“While trying to assist others, it is crucial to ensure that the needs of our own citizens are met first,” he said.
He said the Ministry must remember its primary duty to the people of Malaysia.
“Many bright and talented students in Sabah and Sarawak could contribute greatly to our nation if they had the necessary financial support.
“It is time to invest in the future of Malaysia by ensuring that all Malaysians have access to the education they deserve,” he said.
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