KUCHING: Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin will seek clarification from his federal counterpart Dr Maszlee Malik over an alleged federal government directive barring Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) lawmakers from speaking in schools in the state.
Manyin told reporters after his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting here yesterday that the state Education Department had received the directive via WhatsApp.
He said he would meet with Dr Maszlee to discuss the issue and appeal for the directive to be withdrawn.
“What it says is that GPS YBs are allowed to enter schools but not allowed to make speeches, but we are most welcome to contribute (funds to schools),” he added.
Manyin said the state Education Department had also met the ministry’s secretary-general who confirmed that the decision came from the Cabinet.
“We are waiting for a written circular, but the department is also making an appeal so that no such thing happens,” he added.
The issue was raised by Datuk Henry Harry Jinep (GPS-Tasik Biru) who told the state assembly that he had received a WhatsApp message from the Education Department telling him not to proceed with his proposed visit to a school in his constituency.
The WhatsApp text was also posted on social media recently.
Earlier during his speech, Manyin said the state government had yet to receive a circular from the Education Ministry on the purported ban, adding that as for now he would not consider the WhatsApp text message as official.
