Pakatan elected reps kept out of S’gor schools
Christine Chan
Malaysiakini
Aug 4, 10
A circular that allows specified BN leaders to attend events organised by Selangor schools but keeps out those from Pakatan Rakyat, has been criticised as an example of double standards.
The circular dated Feb 16, 2009 states that the education minister has appointed 57 leaders from Selangor Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan to represent him at these events in the state.
Signed by the principal secretary to the minister, the circular was sent to the director of the Selangor Education Department.
It also states that the BN representatives have each been issued a certificate of appointment, copies of which were attached to the circular with a full list of names and posts held in the respective political parties.
When contacted, Hannah Yeoh, the DAP state assemblyperson for Subang Jaya said that – by implication – school authorities have to get the minister’s permission to invite Pakatan representatives.
“(When the schools ask for permission), it is never given,” she claimed.
Yeoh had recently mentioned this in a tweet, in which she questioned the contents of the circular and said she had managed to obtain the list of ‘approved’ BN leaders.
“I am not allowed to attend any function in the schools in my area. This is not right as it sends the message to the children that you have to receive whoever you are given. They cannot choose their own leaders,” she said.
She, however, said she was allowed to enter her alma mater – SMK Subang Utama – after the Parents-Teachers Association (PIBG) stepped in.
“In my case, because the PIBG insisted, I was able to attend. So it shows that PIBG plays an important role,” she added.
‘Clearly unfair’ policy
DAP’s Teratai state assemblyperson Jenice Lee confirmed the situation.
“Some schools had requested donations from me, but I was not allowed to go in and give a speech,” she said.
There was one occasion where I had to hand over the cheque outside the school compound.”
“I know this has happened to many other Pakatan leaders, not just me and Hannah. And this is clearly unfair.”