The Persatuan Anak Peneroka Felda Kebangsaan (Anak) has criticised Johor state exco Ayub Rahmat for “banning” schools in the state from accepting A4 paper donations from opposition parties.
Rather than banning the donations, the Johor government should instead “celebrate all parties, regardless of political background (who contribute towards) education in the country,” said Anak president Mazlan Aliman in a statement today.
Yesterday, Berita Harian reported how Ayub had warned schools against accepting donations from opposition parties, saying they were at risk of being “manipulated” for political expediency.
This came after Tenggara Amanah chairperson Abrary Ramly was photographed handing over one box (10 reams) of A4 paper to representatives from a school in Pasir Raja.
Ayub also criticised the small amount of paper donated, according to the report.
“Tenggara MP Halimah Mohamed Sadique previously gave 150 reams of paper, Pasir Raja assemblyperson Adham Baba gave 50 reams and the Kulai Education Department gave 42 reams, but nothing made the news.
“I challenge the party to send 150 reams of paper each week. Don’t just send one box at a time, and then pose for a photo, that isn’t even enough to wrap tempeh (fermented soybean)” he said.
Ayub reportedly also claimed that the Education Ministry equips schools with sufficient materials to last the entire year.
Mazlan, who is also an Amanah central committee member, disputed Ayub’s claim.
“The government should investigate claims from the school administration or the parent-teacher association (PIBG) about the shortage of paper it suffered.
“Requests (for paper) were made to parents and printing shops from last year. Even recycled paper was requested from the printing factory.
“This (the shortage of paper) was due to an inadequate allocation of paper from the Education Ministry,” he said.
The issue comes in the wake of Umno being accused of “political indoctrination” over a primary school event which saw students waving the party's flags and singing its anthem.