KUALA LUMPUR – Former education minister Maszlee Malik recently distributed Samsung tablets to 30 primary and secondary students for their use in online learning in his Johor constituency of Simpang Renggam.
“I heard stories of families who have no choice but to share one device, usually a smartphone, amongst 3-4 family members who desperately need to follow lessons.
“However, they come from different classes or age groups, so the family is in a quandary.
“The truth is, online learning from home has its own challenges. Even if there are links to a Google meet session given by teachers, there is nothing we can do if a family has only one device to share amongst everyone.
“Synchronous class sessions would mean they would have to take turns in attending classes,” he told The Vibes in an interview today.
Maszlee said this project, which he called M-Power, was one of the ongoing efforts by his parliamentary office in Simpang Renggam to empower underprivileged students in dire need of devices, and to assist children who want to learn but are held back.
“Their families live in low-cost housing and do not have the financial means to buy a device for each of their children.
“It really saddens me, and I hope that by giving them the devices they can now go ahead and follow the daily lessons without having to take turns.
“The children were very surprised and appreciative upon receiving the tablets. After all, they are all hardworking and well-mannered. The smiles on their faces were priceless and an unforgettable memory for me.
“I just pray and hope we can extend the donation of tablets to more needful families so that they can carry on with their learning and not be left behind,” said Maszlee.
According to Maszlee, his parliamentary office successfully distributed over 50 laptops to university students last year.
He said this was with the help of many individuals, because he no longer received any allocation from the government as an opposition MP.
“Again, we are aiming for RM1,000 for each family, based on the need for tablets for primary and secondary school students and those from less fortunate families.
“Today we seek donations from all generous Malaysians and will inform the donor about each family entitled to a laptop.
“In fact, donors can also consider the family as their ‘anak angkat’ or adopted family if they wish to do so,” said Maszlee.
“In the public domain, online learning is becoming the main topic of discussion. The issue of educational and digital disparities is gaining the public’s attention.
“The gap between those who have access to online learning, and those who do not have the ability or means to follow it is growing.
“Many suggestions are being made, but if left unaddressed, this gap will widen and lead to significant economic class differences in the future,” said Maszlee.
“It is my belief that for schools located in rural areas, islands, or schools with less students that have no Covid-19 cases, or schools difficult to be accessed by the public – whether they are indigenous schools, or schools in Sabah or Sarawak and islands in West Malaysia, the Education Ministry should grant autonomy to the District Education Office.
“This will allow them to operate while adhering to strict SOPs and surveillance by relevant affiliated parties.
“It is unwise and inappropriate for students to be left uneducated for reasons of lack of connectivity or devices,” added Maszlee. – The Vibes, February 3, 2021
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