LABUAN - The proposal to introduce an internal election for the appointment of secondary school prefects is a positive move which can raise awareness of the practice of democracy, according to an academic.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) ethno-politics expert senior lecturer Prof Dr Romzi Ationg said this initiative was timely and could serve as a valuable tool in preparing secondary school students for participation in general elections.
He said the election of school prefects would enable students to understand the voting process and the workings of the democratic system in the country.
"The initiative is considered as timely and essential for shaping the political awareness of young students,” he told Bernama today.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the Member of Parliament for Indera Mahkota, had sought clarification in the Dewan Rakyat on whether the Education Ministry supported the proposal of holding internal elections among students in the selection of school prefects.
In her reply, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying described the proposal as a vital step towards enhancing political education literacy, aligning with the recent implementation of voting rights for 18-year-olds.
"That is a very good proposal. We will review this and I thank you (for the suggestion),” Lim said.
Dr Romzi said the move was part of ongoing efforts to familiarise students with democratic principles and voting procedures from an early age.
"Ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of the election process requires close cooperation from both teachers and the Election Commission.
"Additionally, the presence of political observers is crucial to uphold transparency and fairness in the electoral proceedings," he said.
Dr Romzi said the move reflected Malaysia's commitment to nurturing informed citizens who actively participate in the democratic process, starting from their formative years in secondary schools. - BERNAMA
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) ethno-politics expert senior lecturer Prof Dr Romzi Ationg said this initiative was timely and could serve as a valuable tool in preparing secondary school students for participation in general elections.
He said the election of school prefects would enable students to understand the voting process and the workings of the democratic system in the country.
"The initiative is considered as timely and essential for shaping the political awareness of young students,” he told Bernama today.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the Member of Parliament for Indera Mahkota, had sought clarification in the Dewan Rakyat on whether the Education Ministry supported the proposal of holding internal elections among students in the selection of school prefects.
In her reply, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying described the proposal as a vital step towards enhancing political education literacy, aligning with the recent implementation of voting rights for 18-year-olds.
"That is a very good proposal. We will review this and I thank you (for the suggestion),” Lim said.
Dr Romzi said the move was part of ongoing efforts to familiarise students with democratic principles and voting procedures from an early age.
"Ensuring the smooth and effective conduct of the election process requires close cooperation from both teachers and the Election Commission.
"Additionally, the presence of political observers is crucial to uphold transparency and fairness in the electoral proceedings," he said.
Dr Romzi said the move reflected Malaysia's commitment to nurturing informed citizens who actively participate in the democratic process, starting from their formative years in secondary schools. - BERNAMA