GE15: Addressing basic education needs is crucial, says Muda

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s GE15 manifesto did not address issues on basic education, says Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

He claimed that Barisan’s manifesto did not address the issue of high number of youths who are not interested in getting a tertiary education.

He also accused some leaders of opting to send their children to France and the United Kingdom instead of local government schools.

His remarks were made during a high tea session called “Sembang Santai Anak Muda Gombak” when reporters asked how Pakatan Harapan would counter the plans by Barisan to get the backing of youngsters.

Also at the talk was Gombak Pakatan-PKR parliamentary candidate Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

On Nov 7, Barisan unveiled its manifesto where Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pledged to offer free tertiary education to all Malaysians under the B40 group.

Syed Saddiq added that Barisan’s manifesto did not address the high number of youths who are not interested in getting a tertiary education.

He also said some leaders had chosed to send their children to France and the United Kingdom instead of local government schools.

Syed Saddiq added Barisan intends to push for a hybrid higher education system that will see lessons conducted physically and online, with a digital education system using digital devices that will see physical textbooks phased out for primary and secondary schools.

“Good ideas are welcomed, but Barisan’s ability to fulfil these pledges is questionable,” he said.

Also at the talk was Gombak Pakatan-PKR parliamentary candidate Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.