Ensure that RM1.24 b scholarships award is based on merit

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Central Government should ensure that the RM1.24 billion scholarships are offered strictly on merits.

The Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should be certain that all criteria used for scholarship awards are fair and that the committee should comprise members who are truly just.

On 6.4.2010, Dr Tan follows the statement by Tan Sri Muhyiddin who said in Paris that scholarships would be awarded to the best students.

The Deputy Prime Minister is reported to have said: "The government, through the Public Service Department (PSD), will offer 1,500 scholarships to top Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students under the overseas undergraduate scholarship programme, with sponsorship totalling RM1.24 billion."

For years, the impression among Malaysians is that scholarships are not based on students' ability or performance, but on race and on who their parents know. Judging from Muhyiddin's explanation, it seems that he is going to change this type of impression. We hope he does.

Undoubtedly, the best brains with the best qualifications are able to help the country to achieve greater heights. Hence, we see countries such as Singapore offering scholarships and facilities to bright students within and outside the country. Singapore may offer scholarship to a bright student from Malaysia without conditions. At the age of 18 to 20, he or she goes to, say, Singapore University. After graduation he or she is likely to work in the country, meeting up with a life partner, whether Malaysian or Singaporean. Usually, the couple settles in the country.

As a Johorean, Muhyiddin is very familiar with this type of things. He sees 340,000 Malaysians going to work in Singapore.

The criteria on the award of the scholarships should be fair. There will be thousands who apply for 1,500 scholarships. The awards should be seen to be just.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw