KUCHING: All parties must work together without political barriers in the education and future of our children. Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip (pic) said a purported federal government directive in barring Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) lawmakers from speaking at events held in schools indicated that Pakatan Harapan (PH) was not very responsible.
“They do not seem to care for children in Sarawak,” he lamented, expressing his hope that PH leaders would work with the Sarawak GPS government for the benefit of the children.
He was responding to an article on Tuesday (November 12) which said that Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin would seek clarification from Federal Minister of Education Dr Maszlee Malek over this purported instruction.
He viewed such instruction as a ‘stupid game’ being played by some ‘small-minded ministry or PH federal leaders’.
“What is the rationale? Pray tell,” Talib asked.
He noted that education is a federal responsibility overall, and the state respected that. However, he pointed out that the federal government could not do everything.
“A good example is their inability to look after schools in Sarawak. This is true with respect to rural schools. We have to chip in, yet they make it difficult for us to help, especially with the funding,” he stated.
He elaborated that on the ground, many local GPS leaders had been invited to school functions as what had been done for a long time.
“Now comes the instruction. Then, school heads have to call those who have been invited to express their regret in withdrawing the invitation.
“I feel for them. They are embarrassed by this unreasonable decision on the part of the ministry and PH federal leaders in Putrajaya,” Talib told New Sarawak Tribune.
