Posts Tagged ‘Education’

Confusion over Deepavali holiday in IPTAs

October 14th, 2011
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The 1Malaysia Indian Students Movement (1MISM) launch at UM July this year by PM Najib saw an important announcement regarding extra holidays for Deepavali. It seems, the letter from JPT MOHE to IPTAs on 15th September stated that such holidays are to be given for Indians students only (There’s a copy of the letter here but not sure if untampered). Meaning, Indian (actually should be Hindu, this also don’t know means who la???) students will miss out classes because the classes will still go on.

Worse still, according to one FB entry, there was a comment “Najib bukan VC UKM” (refer here) when students asked why got class on 25th evening and 27th morning.

This will reflect badly on PM Najib and MIC since they were touting extra holidays, but actually its like time off only in some IPTAs. MISM (MIC) better clarify before they cause more damage.

Obviously the IPTAs are in a bind because PM already promised, but to implement, they are the ones who have to figure out ways. I think the IPTAs can do it like schools, by declaring “cuti peristiwa” (event holiday) and replace the classes on Saturdays. If they think that tolerance/sensitivity/acceptance/understanding of various cultures is important, they will find a way and not use reasons like MQA rules as an excuse.

Coming to the question: is convenience of the majority is of more importance than the convenience of the minority, even if the convenience of the minority doesn’t cost/affect much? We talk about national unity and sacrifices, but it doesn’t work for others?

It is very sad that education institutions that are supposed to instill good values of understanding others cultures, acceptance, tolerance etc is in the forefront of being ignorant, apathetic, intolerant and insensitive. What kind of impression are they giving to the students and staff? Should we blame the IPTA management entirely, or the education and social system that they grew up in? Being minority is not easy, and to think its going to get worse is indeed scary.

Even want to implement in IPTA is difficult, imagine want to ask IPTS to provide extra days off for Deepavali! So far heard that MSU having exam on the eve, while Segi KL is closing on eve (half-day) and 27th.

Certain universities are ignoring the government’s directive to give Indian students a longer break to celebrate Deepavali, said the Human Rights Party (HRP).

HRP sec-gen P Uthayakumar (right) in an open letter to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today complained of the “year in and year out recurring problem” for Hindu students who fail to enjoy similar accomodations granted other holidays such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

According to him, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) was only exempting Indian students from lectures rather than giving an official break.

“This would cause the Indian students to miss their lectures for three days,” said Uthayakumar.

“Apart from UKM, we are also receiving complaints from in particular Indian students studying in Unimas and UMS that lectures will be conducted as usual even on Deepavali day, which is not even a public holiday in Sarawak,” he added.

Najib, he said, had at the launch of the 1Malaysia Indian Students Movement at University Malaya on July 27 announced that the government would direct  universities to make provisions for the Hindu festive period.

The Ministry of  the Higher Education followed up with a circular on Sept 15 to all public universities to reschedule classes and examinations to allow for a longer break for Indian students.

“In that circular, Indian students nationwide were promised a longer break from 25 to 28 October to celebrate Deepavali which falls on 26 Oct,” said Uthayakumar.

He added that they have received complaints that universities are not implementing other provisions cited by Najib, such as a students’ shuttle service to nearby Hindu temples for students and making available vegetarian food.

“Or is this part of ‘the government policy was good but it’s  implementation was bad’ political play gimmick?” said the HRP sec-gen.

source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178646

 

Excerpt from a report in FMT is below:

… In an open letter to Najib, HRP’s pro-tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar, named Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) as among those defying the directive.

“UKM’s deputy vice chancellor, Professor Noor Azlan Ghazali, even told the student leader, Kok Kiong Lum, that there are too many holidays in Malaysia,” he stated.

“He said that even Hari Raya and Chinese New Year holidays are only two days long so it is only fair that just one day be given for Deepavali.”

Uthayakumar further said that UNIMAS was conducting lectures on Deepavali day itself as it isn’t a public holiday in Sarawak.

“The Indian students there must also be given the opportunity to return home and be with their families on this auspicious day,” he said.

source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/14/keep-to-your-word-hrp-tells-pm/

 

 

 

matriculation exam starting day after Deepavali

October 14th, 2011
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Time after time we notice the same issues. Officially of course its a one day public holiday, but where’s the sensitivity, acceptance, understanding and empathy? You don’t expect students to go back for the festival and return in a day, do you? We don’t see any exams on the very next day of Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or X’mas, even though official holidays are one or two days only.

Conclusion: convenience of the majority is of more importance than the convenience of the minority, even if the convenience of the minority doesn’t cost/affect much?

And MIC, is still at the stage of “hoping” after so many years. They should have blasted the relevant departments instead of dragging ministers into this. Simple thing also want to see PM or minister. Very embarrassing.

It is very sad that education institutions that are supposed to instill good values of understanding others cultures, acceptance, tolerance etc is in the forefront of being ignorant, apathetic, intolerant and insensitive. What kind of impression are they giving to the students and staff? Year in, year out the same thing happens. But since everyone is hopping on to 1Malaysia bandwagon in recent times, the folks at Bahagian Matrikulasi should thought ahead and foreseen this issue. Should we blame them entirely, or the education and social system that they grew up in? Being minority is not easy, and to think its going to get worse is indeed scary.

MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel said he had spoken to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak about the matriculation examination that has been fixed a day after Deepavali on Oct 27.

Palanivel said he had also spoken to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who said the Education Ministry was aware of it.

“Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also Education Minister, said they were considering postponing the exam to a new date,” he said via SMS to Bernama here on Friday.

Palanivel, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said he raised the matter after receiving complaints through SMS and phone calls from the Indian community.

He said postponing the matriculation exam would go down well with Indians celebrating Deepavali and hoped the deputy prime minister would make an announcement soon. – Bernama

source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/10/14/nation/20111014152506&sec=nation

Budget 2012

October 7th, 2011
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You might want to have a peek at Budget 2011 last year to get an idea of this year’s budget. This year around, PM Najib spoke for an extra 19 minutes. The budget speech can be found here.

The budget costs RM232.8 billion, up 9.4%, with the operating expenditure at RM181.6 billion or 78%, (up 11.5%) and development expenditure at RM51.2 billion or 22% (up 4.1%).  RM20.5 billion would be for servicing debt.

You can compare with Pakatan Rakyat’s shadow budget here.

Last year, Malaysia’s FDI growth was the strongest in Asia and in the first six months of this year have reached RM21.2 billion. Economic growth for 2012 is expected to be between 5 and 6 percent, despite a global economic slowdown. In 2012, private investment is forecast to climb 15.9%, supported by foreign and domestic investment. GDP in the first 6 months of 2011 was 4.4%, driven by strong domestic consumption. In 2012, the service sector is expected to grow 6.5%, the construction sector 7% and GDP is forecast to be between 5 and 6%.

RM29.8 billion allocated for investment in infrastructure, industrial and rural development. RM13.6bil allocated for the social sector, including education and training, welfare, housing and community development.

Some of the main points:

Economic/Industry

  • Government to further liberalise 17 services sub-sectors, including healthcare and logistics, and in places enabling 100% foreign equity. This will allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of  the 17 service subsectors.
  • RM18 billion of the RM20 billion PPP Facilitation Fund will be used for high-impact projects, with RM2 billion for bumiputera entrepreneurs.
  • KL International Financial District –  income tax break 100% for 10 years, duty stamp exemption; development allowances and capital allowances; income tax break 50% for property developers in KLIFD
  • RM978 million allocated to accelerate the development in five regional corridors: Coastal Highway JB-Nusa Jaya; Taiping Heritage tourism project; Besut agropolitan project; Lahad Datu palm oil cluster project; Water supply in Samalaju
  • Felda to be listed in Bursa, along with “windfall” for settlers.
  • To extend tax exemption on issuance and trading on foreign currency sukuk by three years
  • To cut tax for three years on expenses incurred in issuance of sukuk wakala starting 2012.
  • To implement RM6 billion private sector-financed special stimulus package for infrastructure works.
  • To implement RM98.4 billion rolling plan until 2013 for high-impact development projects
  • To grant tax benefits to investors who use Malaysian Treasury Management Centre to accelerate financial markets development. These include income tax exemption of 70 per cent for five years, withholding tax exemption on interest payments on borrowing and stamp duty exemption on loan and service agreements.
  • subsidies will be maintained at same amount (RM33.2 billion).
  • franchise fees borne by local franchisees will be allowed tax deduction in efforts to develop the local franchise industry and Malaysian brands.
  • Pulau Langkawi will be redeveloped with the Langkawi Five Year Tourism Development Master Plan, to be launched with an allocation of RM420 million to be used to restructure the Langkawi Development Authority, set up a park rangers unit, upgrade museums, beaches and small businesses as well as provide a more efficient transportation system.
  • Hotel operators in Peninsular Malaysia investing in new four and five-star hotels will be given pioneer status, with 70 per cent income tax exemption or 60 per cent investment tax allowance for five years.

Education

  • RM1 billion allocation through a special fund for the construction, improvement and maintenance of schools in need of upgrades. RM500 million would be allocated to national schools while Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, mubaligh schools, government religious schools and Mara junior science colleges will receive RM100 million each. (as usual, too little for vernacular schools).
  • development allocation amounting to RM1.9 billion would be spent on all types of school consisting of national schools, national-type Chinese and Tamil schools, mission schools and government-assisted religious schools
  • Abolishment of school fees for primary and secondary education. Currently, students in primary and secondary schools are still required to pay RM24.50 and RM33.50, respectively, for co-curriculum, internal test papers, Malaysian Schools Sports Council fees and insurance premium. These payments will be abolished from 2012
  • One-off RM100 for each school pupil aged six to 16
  • One-off RM200 cash voucher for books  for all school pupils and higher learning institution students
  • Private schools to get 70% income tax break, 100% tax allowance for up to five years, double deduction for overseas promotional expenses to attract more foreign students and import duty and sales tax exemptions on all educational equipment.

Civil Service

  • Civil service salary hikes of between seven and 13 per cent (for those who accept the new scheme, SBPA).
  • Increase in the rate of automatic annual increments in civil service salaries of between RM80 and RM320 (not salary revision as many report/understand).
  • retirement age raised from 58 to 60.
  • teachers to be given promotion on time-base promotion.
  • Tuition fee assistance for civil servants who want to study part-time – for 5,000 places for masters and 500 places for doctorate degrees. Total allocation – RM120 million

Police/Army

  • One-off cash payment of RM3,000 for each family of ex-military and police personnel who served the country during a decades-long communist insurgency (62,000 families)
  • RM200 million for upgrade to modern policing and RM442 million to upgrade housing quarters, stations and training.
  • RM500 million under the Army Care programme for upgrade and maintain army camps and quarters.
  • RM50 million for ex-servicemen retraining.

 Pensioners/Retirees

  • Increase of 2% annually for pensioners starting from 2013.
  • bonus RM500
  • 50% discount on LRT and monorail
  • no outpatient fee for government hospitals/clinic including dental clinics (doesn’t make much difference because its the medicine that costs a lot)

 Transportation

  • full exemption of import tax and excise duty for hybrid and electric cars to be extended until end of 2013.
  • 100% excise duty and sales tax exemption for locally-made taxis.
  • No excise duty or sales tax for transfer ownership.
  • No road tax for individually-owned budget taxis.
  • 2% subsidy on loan for new locally-made taxi.
  • RM3,000 assistance for disposal of old taxies exceeding seven years but less than 10 years. If 10 years old and above, RM1,000 is given. (wonder what’s the focus on taxis is all about. I thought we have too many taxi licenses?)

 Property

  • Real Property Gains Tax increased from 5% t0 10% if property sold within 2 years, 5% if sold between 2 and 5 years, and no tax if sold after 5 years.
  • Ceiling for house prices under a government deposit guarantee scheme for first-time house buyers to be raised to RM400,000 from RM200,000 (My First House Scheme)
  • RM443 million fund to build 15,000 units of housing for lower- to middle-income earners

Employment

  • 1% increase in employer’s EPF contribution (12% increase to 13%). (Most likely to cause unhappiness among employers).

Household

  • One-off cash assistance of RM500 to all households with a monthly income of RM3,000 and below, costing RM1.8 billion, to benefit 3.4 million households (54% of households). Head family must register with LHDN.

Orang Asli

  • RM90 million for basic needs, including treated water and income generation, RM20 million for the community affected by Cameron Highlands landslide.
Rural Development
  • RM1.1 billlion for rural electricity supply, especially Sabah and Sarawak.
  • RM5 billion will be given to develop rural infrastructure, including RM1.8 billion to the Rural Road Programme and Village-Link Road Project.
  • RM2.1 billion allocated to expand clean water to rural 220,000 homes.
  • The government will expand the programme to supply clean water to the rural community in Sabah by RM50 million.
  • In Felda settlements, RM400 million upgrade of water supply system in Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
  • RM150 million for rural public transportation, via SME bank for bus companies in low interest loans of 4% interest
Poverty/Low-income issue/Welfare
  • Build 85 government-subsidised discount grocery stores nationwide (Kedai 1Malaysia)
  • RM20 subsidy for electricity bill to be continued (only if your bill is RM20 or less).
  • RM1.2 billion for welfare programme: for senior citizens RM300 per month, poor children RM100-450 a month, disable RM150-300 per month.
  • To open 30 Agro Bazaar Rakyat for agriculture products.
  • Extend Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia to 3,000 operators, where breakfast provided at RM2, lunch at RM4.

SME

  • To establish RM2.6 billion worth of funds for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • RM100 million SME Revitalisation Fund, for loans of up to RM1 million made available for entrepreneurs to be made available from January 2012
Social Justice
  • contributions to missionary schools and houses of worship will become tax exempt (hopefully its not an excuse to reduce allocation. As it is, there’s no mention of any allocation in the budget for houses of worship).
Health
  • RM15 billion operation expenditure and RM1.8 billion for development expenditure. Upgrade of 81 rural clinics and 50 new 1Malaysia clinics.
  • Hospital Kuala Lumpur, the oldest in Malaysia, will be upgraded to be the country’s premier hospital. RM50 million to construct outpatient block for Hospital Kuala Lumpur. This will come from the RM300 million allocation to upgrade the hospital with new equipment

Sports

  • Aim to build 150 futsal courts and 30 football fields with artificial turfs. RM50 million allocated for football fields, RM15 million for futsal courts (We get rid of open areas and then scramble to build courts/fields again).

This time around, the impact for those in the middle income (household > RM5000) and those who are single can’t be found. There’s no mention of income tax reduction, nor any sin tax. There are plenty of benefits, but my worry is that its value is quite small until can’t make any immediate crucial impact for citizens. Perhaps the housing schemes and education benefits would be the ones which are impactful enough. Good thing that the subsidies are maintained for the coming year.

The budget targets the relevant groups: police/military, Felda, teachers, pensioners, retirees, rural areas, East Malaysia, civil servants.

sources:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/10/7/nation/20111007162147&sec=nation

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/10/07/shot-in-the-arm-for-domestic-economy/

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178023

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178022

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178016

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/178029

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/177993

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/school-fees-scrapped-in-budget-2012/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/snapshot-of-budget-measures/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cash-handouts-for-lower-income-households-students/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/putrajaya-moots-1pc-rise-in-employers-epf-contribution/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/real-property-gains-tax-up-to-curb-speculation/

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/with-eye-on-polls-government-pledges-more-cash-all-around/

http://www.mole.my/content/wide-ranging-perks-budget-2012

Syamala appeal for education loan

September 22nd, 2011
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Let’s look at this particular case. The student has shown effort and perseverance to pursue studies in her field of interest. Unfortunately, she’s studying in an university which is not on MMC’s approved list, so can’t get any scholarship or loan from JPA.  She has to pass an exam once back before able to practice. The reason given for choosing the university is due to cheap cost, but so far she has spent RM310,000 on her studies. Now she needs another RM40,000 to finish her studies.

Its easy to say that she should have planned her finances, but being a 7 years program, I’m not sure if the plans are able to withstand changes on global level. Maybe some unforeseen circumstances made her to go to loan sharks and now seeking aid from all and sundry.

She can consider working in other countries (since UK rules has changed) or perhaps postpone a semester to work.

She can’t apply PTPTN  since PTPTN is for local studies only, so surely got rejected. JPA loan is hard to get, plus she’s enrolled in a non-recognised university.

There’s no mention of her SPM or STPM results, so I can’t comment on her non-acceptance into IPTAs or JPA scholarship.

Im’ sure there are plenty of cases like this, as, on average I get once such news about every other month so far this year.

MIC has promised to look into her case, which is asking her to apply MIED loan (isn’t application closed at the moment? Or do they provide RM40k because I think the average amount per loan is less than 10k). Refer to 2011 MIED loan awards, its RM617,518 for 72 medical students (average of RM8576/student).

In the meantime, readers’ comment in FMT prompted the media to provide her bank account number for those interested to donate. Refer: Syamala Devi a/p Mani (Maybank acc: 112278032141) .

MIC has promised to look into M Syamala Devi’s case, with party president G Palanivel promising urgent action.

Yesterday, FMT reported that the final year medical student needed RM40,000 to complete her studies in a university in Romania.

This morning, Syamala, 28, met with Palanivel at the MIC headquarters here.

Speaking to FMT after the meeting, Syamala said Palanivel had asked her to apply for a loan with MIC’s education arm, Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED).

“I have to be back in Romania before the end of this month. If I fail to get the money then I have to forget my dream of becoming a doctor,” she added.

After completing Form Six, the eldest of five siblings, who lost her father at the age of eight, had applied in vain for a place to do medicine in some 20 local universities.

She also applied for numerous scholarships and loans but was turned down.

Refusing to give up, Syamala worked in a courier service agency and provided home tuition to save up enough money to pursue her ambition.

She also borrowed RM20,000 from a loan shark, and is forced to pay RM2,000 every month in interest alone. Her brother and sister were helping her with this.

During her semester breaks, Syamala would work in the UK and when the semester commenced, she earned a small income by cooking and selling food to the Malaysian students in her university.

However, the UK goverment had since barred students from foreign universities from working there.

The student also revealed that she was aware that the medical university in Romania was not recognised by the Malaysian government.

However, Syamala added that she had no choice because that was the cheapest place to pursue a medical degree.

The student, who had since forked out RM310,000 for the past six years, said she would need to sit for another examination in Malaysia upon her graduation in order to practice here.

Since her plight was highlighted, FMT received numerous calls from readers wanting to help her.

Those wishing to financially aid Syamala could channel their donations to: Syamala Devi a/p Mani (Maybank acc: 112278032141)

source:  http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/09/22/mic-to-look-into-med-students-plight/

This is the first news:

M Syamala Devi’s dream is to become a doctor. But the 28-year-old final year medical student has returned home from Romania because she cannot afford to continue her education.

To make matters worse, she also took RM20,000 from a loan shark to finance her studies and is forced to pay RM2,000 in interest every month.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Human Rights Party (HRP) here, the sixth-year student with the University of Medical Pharmacy of GRT Popa said she needs another RM40,000 to complete her degree.

“My father was a former auxiliary policeman and he died when I was eight. Look at my family background, that is why I chose to study in Romania because the fees is cheaper there,” she said.

Syamala said after completing her STPM examination, she had applied in vain for a place to do medicine in 20 local universities.

She also applied for scores of scholarships and education loans, including the Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship and Higher Education Loan Fund (PTPTN), but was rejected.

Seeking government help

Following this, she worked with a courier service agency for two years and provided home tuition in order to save enough money to pursue her dream.

Apart from taking money from a loan shark, she also used to work in the UK during her summer holidays.

When the semester commences, Syamala said she used to earn a small income by cooking and selling food to some 30 Malaysian students at her university to cover her day-to-day expenses.

However, the UK implemented a new rule prohibiting students from other countries from working there and this dealt a blow to Syamala’s ambition.

“The total cost of my education is RM350,000. Until today, I have spent nearly RM310,000, money which I raised myself,” she said, adding that her brother and sister were also helping her to settle the loan shark’s interest.

“I am pleading to the government to help me. Please grant me a RM40,000 loan to finish my studies,” she said, adding that she enrolled in that particular Romanian university although it is not recognised by the Malaysian government because she had no choice.

“This was the cheapest place to study medicine and upon graduation I will have to sit for another examination in Malaysia to allow me to practice here,” she said.

Meanwhile, HRP education bureau head G Ganeson asked the government if it was wrong for a poor Indian to dream of becoming a doctor.

He said the government must immediately grant Syamala the loan so that she could complete her studies.

source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/09/21/please-help-me-become-a-doctor/

SJKT Castlefield relocation problem

September 22nd, 2011
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This kind of SNAFU can happen, so just focus on the solution – get a new piece of land. The school need not worry because our DPM said vernacular schools are not marginalized. The government will fully cover the cost of relocating the school to another location, its the responsibility of MIC to ensure this.  Selangor government also said they take care of vernacular schools, so they will find a suitable land. Or Prasarana can help to identify a replacement land and state government can approve it. Its the responsibility of the federal and state governments, so I’m wondering what the school is being made to run around making applications to Land Office. Just be clear and insist on new buildings to be completed before any LRT construction is done. I don’t believe in temporary relocation because the “temporary” can turn out to be 3 years, 5 years, or even 20 years in cabins or shoplots!

Hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih (where there’s a will, there’s a way).

SJK (T) CASTLEFIELD in Taman Perindustrian Puchong is in a tight spot after learning that the site it had identified for relocation has been taken up by another Chinese school.

Its board of directors chairman Nagamuthu Periasamy said the school had to be relocated because the proposed LRT project would have six pillars built within its current school compound.

The school had submitted an application to the Land Office for a 2.4ha site in Persiaran Indera, Pusat Bandar Puchong last September.

However, Puchong MCA has also identified the same plot of land for the relocation of SJK (C) Kheng Chee from Ladang Bukit Dinding in Karak.

On Monday, StarMetro reported that Puchong MCA announced that it was ready to submit architectural drawings to the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) in late October and the school would be ready for the 2013 intake.

Nagamuthu said the announcement came as a shock to them.

“The Department of Environment confirmed that the LRT route would pose a health hazard for the children.

“Therefore, we have been looking at relocation. The Land Office is in the midst of getting the opinion of other relevant authorities, such as Public Works Department, MPSJ and Selangor Education Depart-ment, before granting us the approval,” he said.

SJK (T) Castlefield, with 500 students and 35 teachers, currently sits on a 1.01ha land in Jalan TPP 1/17 in Taman Perindustrian Puchong. It has been in operation since 1988.

source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/9/22/central/9538101&sec=central