TONGOD - The initiative to establish special schools for underprivileged students is currently not relevant to implement because there are still many dilapidated schools and hostels in need of restoration in Sabah and Sarawak.
Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah said that such a move was also deemed impractical as it could create a caste-like system that differentiates between the backgrounds of parents and the students themselves.
"In uncertain economic times, it is better for the government to upgrade the dilapidated schools rather than establish special schools that require higher costs.
"While the intention is commendable, its implementation is currently not pertinent due to the existence of hundreds of dilapidated schools and hostels, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, that are yet to undergo restoration." he said in a statement today.
He was commenting on the government's intention to introduce special schools for the poorest segment of the population in the country, aiming to ensure they do not fall behind in education.
Masiung, who is also the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy president emphasised that this approach should be reconsidered as it could have negative psychological effects on the students and parents involved.
He said what was important was for the government to enhance incentives and assistance for students in the poorest segment and that the support should reach the target group without bureaucratic obstacles.