P.Kamalanathan | Blog

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗱, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 04:01:00 +0000

𝙋𝙎 : 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙊𝙃. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 : 𝟭𝟵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 (𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆)

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗱, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Following the request of MIC President YB Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran I had a very fruitful and productive meeting with the Minister of Higher Education YB Datuk Dr. Noraini Ahmad today.

First and foremost I’d like to thank YB Datuk Dr. Noraini and her office for their gracious gesture of meeting my team and I and hearing our suggestions openly even with her very busy schedule.

Among the issues we highlighted touched on the subject of students who can’t go back to their hometowns due to the restrictions to travelling imposed.

Though the hostels have been directed to keep their canteens open yet we hope that vegetarian food can be provided to students who are vegetarians as well since they would not be able to go out of the campus.

Also we brought up the matter of whether the UPU is the only way to apply for higher education and under which ministry does it fall since the ministry is now been divided into Higher Education and Education.

We also asked for the final date for application to all public institutions of higher learning be postponed due to the Covid 19 virus pandemic. This is because most roadshows to educate the applicants can’t be carried out and hence can’t meet its objectives.

Students need the right advice to make the best informed decision for themselves and a postponement of the application deadline would allow this to take place.

Finally we requested the minister to fulfil the Barisan Nasional's promise to allocate 2200 places for Indians specifically in the Matriculation program. The number of Indians have dropped dramatically under the previous government and we urged her to please remedy this situation.

The minister was very open to listening and assured that the ministry is committed to ensuring the safety security well being of all students and will do all that is possible to ensure Malaysia’s academic roadmap continues to soar upwards.

I’d like to thank YB Datuk Dr. Noraini and her team again for their warm welcome and concern.

I’m confident the ministry will do well and grow from strength to strength under the honourable Ministers stewardship.

P.Kamalanathan,

Central Working Committee

Chairman, MIC Education Bureau

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𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐡 : 𝟏𝟗 𝐌𝐚𝐜 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 (𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐬)

𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐲𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐤 𝐃𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐝, 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢 𝐝𝐢 𝐊𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐢

Atas nasihat YB Senator Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran Presiden MIC, saya selaku Ahli Majlis Tertinggi dan Pengerusi Biro Pendidikan MIC telah mengadakan satu perjumpaan khas dengan YB Datuk Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Menteri di Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, Malaysia untuk membincangkan isu - isu hal ehwal pendidikan tinggi.

Antara perkara yang telah saya kongsikan kepada YB Menteri adalah isu -isu yang sedang dihadapi oleh mahasiswa/mahasiswi di kampus institusi pengajian tinggi yang tinggal di hostel berikutan daripada Arahan penyekatan pergerakkan yang diumumkan oleh kerajaan sebagai langkah mengatasi penularan wabak Covid 19.

Salah satunya ialah isu Makanan ‘vegetarian’ kerana ada segelintir mahasiswa yang tinggal dalam kampus menghadapai kesukaran untuk mendapatkan makanan sayuran maka saya mengutarakan cadangan supaya makanan 'vegetarian' turut disediakan bagi membolehkan mahasiswa/siswi tidak mengikat perut atau bergantung kepada roti sahaja.

Saya juga telah berkongsi pandangan saya kepada YB Menteri mengenai sistem permohonan UPU yang dipertanggungjawabkan untuk mengurus permohonan kemasukan pelajar - pelajar ke Institut Pendidikan Tinggi (IPT). Sistem UPU yang sedia ada perlu ‘dipisahkan’ berikutan Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi telah berpisah dan menjadi dua kementerian yang berlainan. Ini membolehkan para pelajar mempunyai pilihan untuk memutuskan jurusan pendidikan yang mereka gemar.

Saya juga telah mencadangkan YB Datuk Noraini untuk melanjutkan tarikh tutup permohonan le IPT berikutan daripada penularan wabak Covid 19. Ini kerana ramai lepasan SPM dan STPM masih belum membuat keputusan akan jurusan yang mereka mahu mohon malah larangan pergerakan ini telah mengekang pergerakkan mereka ke seminar pendidikan, oleh itu dengan lanjutan tarikh akhir ini, para lepasan SPM dan STPM mempunyai cukup waktu untuk membuat keputusan.

Isu penempatan Matrikulasi kepada pelajar - pelajar india adalah salah satu intipati penting yang saya telah utarakan kepada YB Menteri dan saya memohon agar YB Menteri dapat meneruskan janji Kerajaan Barisan Nasional untuk mengagihkan 2200 tempat kepada pelajar India dalam program matrikulasi. Bilangan penempatan pelajar India di Matrikulasi telah menjunam secara mendadak di bawah pemerintahan kerajaan PH sehingga ramai anak - anak yang layak mendapat tempat, tidak dapat pergi ke Matrikulasi.

Saya ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan ucapan terima kasih kepada Datuk Noraini kerana sudi berjumpa saya walaupun beliau sibuk. Saya sangat yakin dengan kepimpinan Datuk Noraini dalam memacu Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia dan akan mengharumkan nama negara dalam dunia akademik serta meninggikan mutu dan kualiti graduan masa depan.

P. Kamalanathan

Ahli Majlis Tertinggi MIC

Pengerusi Biro Pendidikan MIC

Maths and Science in English

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 08:15:00 +0000

I applaud the PM’s decision to teach Maths and Science in English.

It’s definitely a step forward in ensuring our students are equipped to succeed in a world where English and science are important factors in a nations growth and prosperity.

However when this policy was last introduced then rescinded there were many factors that lead to it.

Among the chief reasons were the fact that the science and maths teachers weren’t proficient enough in English to deliver their subjects effectively.

We can’t have English teachers teaching maths and science but teachers who are science and maths graduates to teach well in English.

The reasons why the policy was reversed the first time should be studied deeply and the policy should only be implemented when all shortcomings and gaps are overcome.

Also a very comprehensive and deep engagement should take place with the stakeholders to ensure they see the importance and relevance of the policy and embrace the change.

This would also be key in making the policy a success.

These steps take time and the ministry should be given leeway time wise to comprehensively and holistically evaluate analyse and solve all issues so that in the future the policy isn’t reversed again.

P.Kamalanathan

MIC Education Bureau Chairman & Member of the Central Working Committee

Pongal and MOE

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 04:01:00 +0000

One of Malaysia’s greatest strengths and assets are her multi cultural population that bring together all forms celebrations that foster unity in our diversity.

This is a very unique feature of Malaysia that is envied all across the world.

However a recent circular by the education ministry did cause some uneasiness and definitely is not in the spirit Of Malaysian Unity.

The circular is designed to make the harvest festival of Pongal become a religious one and exempting our brothers and sisters of different faiths from taking part in the celebration.

Pongal is essentially a day of thanksgiving and gratitude to nature who allowed a bountiful harvest to come to fruition.

Across Tamil Nadu and its other neighbouring states this harvest festival is no different from the Keamatan festival in Sabah and Hari Gawai in Sarawak.

It’s a day farmers irrelevant of religion celebrate a bountiful harvest and thank Mother Nature for her fertile soil, adequate rain and healthy sunlight that were the foundation of a good harvest.

The farmers come together with family and friends and celebrate this day by offering guests and friends sweetened milk rice as a way of celebrating and spreading the cheer of a good harvest.

The festival has been celebrated with the spirit of unity and brotherhood for the last sixty years with many former Prime Ministers even taking part in the celebration.

Why this sudden aversion to it suddenly?

The silence of the Indian Ministers have done little to allay the fears and discontent the circular has raised and if not the Indians in the cabinet who else can the Malaysian Indians depend on to raise issues related to them?

With this in mind I visited the Ministry of Education and met Dr. Habibah Abd. Rahim the acting Directer General of the Ministry and her team to bring up the matter.

They were very cordial and professional in listening and noting our disappointment of the circular and have committed to look into the matter. I’m very hopeful that the Ministry pull back the circular and encourage everyone to embrace and understand the unique amalgamation of diversity in the nation.

Malaysians should always strive to better understand and embrace each other in order to foster a united and strong nation.

Celebrations like Pongal, Hari Gawai, Keamatan are just different ways of celebrating a bountiful harvest in the spirit of peace prosperity and unity and everybody should nurture such practises as a tool for unity and not use it to divide the people.

I hope the education ministry clarifies this and intimately recants the circular and allows all Malaysians to come together and celebrate a better future for all.

P. Kamalanathan

MIC Central Working Committee

Chairman, MIC Education Bureau.

Dr.Maszlee is the symptom not the cause.

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:20:00 +0000

The recent resignation of the Minister of Education Dr.Maszlee Malik is something that shocked the country being the first resignation of a PH minister in their 20 month government.

First and foremost I must congratulate Dr.Maszlee in making this very bold and brave decision on resigning.

It’s not easy to walk away from such a big and important position and takes a lion’s heart to accept one’s failure and do the right things.

I also sympathise with him in regard to the news focus which sometimes is more sensational and non academic than on tangible educational successes.

My years as a Deputy Education Minister was challenging, as an example the vast majority of 500 000 teachers are committed and responsible educators who strive to do their job well but the one bad apple makes news headlines while the majority sacrifices and successes are ignored.

Education is a very politically and practically very important part of our nation’s psyche.

In fact just a simple count of 5 million students in our primary and secondary schools mean 10 million parents are stakeholders and it’s difficult to get consensus among even 10 people sometimes , what more 10 million.

However the resignation of Dr.Maszlee though commendable isn’t enough.

Dr.Maszlee is the symptom not the cause. If performance was the criteria then many in the cabinet are in jeopardy. The PM himself gave them 50% during their one year anniversary, in 5 months would be 2 years but I doubt the performance will see any major improvement though some maybe worse.

The fact is the PH government is floundering because they have promised the world and now are unable to deliver. In almost all aspects of the nation from economic growth to racial relations things have become worse across the board since the new government was formed.

The people who voted for change stand disappointed and betrayed and yet the PH coalition is still mired in both internal party politics and national leadership tussles rather than focusing on the prime responsibility which is governing well for the people.

The sad truth is PH vehicle is on the way to a major breakdown and an overhaul might not be enough. Maszlee’s resignation is just a drop in the ocean of bad policies and decisions affecting the peace and prosperity of Malaysians.

The people wanted change but what they got for the last 18 months were just lies, more lies & excuses!

P.Kamalanathan
Central Working Committee Member of the Malaysian Indian Congress and
Chairman, Education Bureau MIC.

KHAT: Another Unnecessary Distraction

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Thu, 08 Aug 2019 07:48:00 +0000

The introduction of Khat Jawi writing in schools is a very contentious issue at the moment.

In one way the MIC is very disheartened that among the myriad of serious challenges, problems and issues faced by the nation the current administration chooses to add to the distractions by creating the KHAT polemic.

It would be infinitely better if they focused their resources and attention on growing the economy, helping the people manage the continues increase in cost of living and fulfilling their promises of free education, no toll and shared prosperity instead of shared poverty.

There are many dimensions to the issue and the MIC’s education bereau would like to state some perspectives on the issue.

KHAT or any other subject matter that enhances and value adds to the quality of education should be encouraged.

That being said nothing should be forced if all the stake holders are not completely aboard.

Although the decision to introduce KHAT was made in 2014 yet at that time it was only a plan to introduce or “perancangan pengenalan” not a firm decision written in stone.

Furthermore to the best of my recollection it was specifically for national schools and not vernacular schools and there was sound reasoning for this.

First among which was that the standard of Bahasa Melayu in national schools was different from the standard of Bahasa Melayu in vernacular schools hence a blanket decision would not be suitable.

Secondly 2016 and 2017 Tamil school UPSR students about 20% failed Bahasa Melayu. This means they need to spend a year held back at remove or “peralihan” class.

Hence we introduced many measures to first solve this high failure rate but the introduction of KHAT would negate and wipe out all the forward momentum gained in overcoming the high BM failure rate.

The ministry should focus on solving this high failure rate in SJKT first before contemplating adding KHAT to the mixture which would make the situation even more untenable.

MIC would like to suggest the ministry take the DLP approach and allow the schools management, teachers, students and parents to collectively decide if they would like to implement it provided they have the necessary resources such as teachers capable of teaching it properly.

If we can implement such a system for a pivotal important international language such as English surely it can be done for KHAT as an artistic and historical part of Bahasa Melayu.

Education is such a fundamental foundation in creating a successful nation and MIC urges all parties to not politicise and sensationalise the issue but to take a calm collected approach by using the QUALITY of education as our guiding north star in making a decision on how best to move forward for the sake of our nation’s children and future.

P.Kamalanathan

SMJK TAMIL Fantastic Reality or Really Fantasy?

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 04:22:00 +0000

First, let me thank YB Senator Datuk T Mohan on his concise statement that Pakatan Harapan should study something before making promises and not the other way around.

In the Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto themed REBUILDING OUR NATION FULFILLING OUR HOPES, under the subject titled ‘Special Commitment for the Indian Community’ at number 5 it clearly states the following;

5. Establishing a government funded Tamil secondary school.

Clearly it says ‘ESTABLISHING’ and what it means is to set up, start, begin, form, create and no where it has mentioned the word review or to consider.

So for the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education to say that a committee has been set up to review and consider in establishing a Tamil secondary school is not only a joke but taking the community for a ride to no where.

I would also like to show how hypocritical they are since they came into power.

I would like to refer to a statement made by YB Batu Kawan (YB Kasthuri Patto) on October 19th 2016;

“Without a doubt, that there is no political will by the minister and his Education Ministry, including the Deputy Education Minister in charge of Tamil schools P Kamalanathan, to even engage with the Penang state government when land has been allocated there to build a Tamil secondary school.

How can the Education Ministry supply MPs and the Parliament with such ridiculous contradictory answers on their disability in building the nations first Tamil school, when they clearly can do so. It is evident that the ministry has no intention nor plan to empower children in Malaysia to honour, save and keep their mother tongues alive, in this case, the Tamil language when there exists Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan for Chinese schools.” - Yb Kasthuri Patto, Malaysiakini. >LINK<

MY VIEWS;

Now after more than a year the Pakatan Harapan government is just going to form a committee to study the need. A very different tone when they were in opposition it was a definite need and urgent too? Maybe after winning no more a priority, I feel very bad for the Indians who voted them in as the secondary Tamil schools is just like many other promises, a work of deceit and fiction.

I quote another statement by YAB Penang Deputy Chief Minister II (Dr. P. Ramasamy) October 17th 2017;

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 2017: Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy has called on Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to approve the state government’s proposal to set up a Tamil secondary school in the state, if the Prime Minister is serious about the Indian community, he hoped that the PM gives Malaysian Indians a Deepavali present like the approval for a Tamil secondary school in Pulau Pinang. >Link<

MY VIEWS;

Last few years was a dark Deepavali according the YAB Deputy Chief Minister II, maybe this year DCM will get his government to make it a bright shining one with a secondary Tamil school, though I very much doubt it.

Finally, another quote by the Former Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng on October 16th 2017

“The Penang chief minister said for Indians to be empowered, they required not only the proper maintenance of the many Tamil primary schools in the country, but also for a secondary school project to be given approval.

“There is no reason why the education ministry refuses to permit a secondary Tamil school even though there are secondary schools that use Arabic, English or Mandarin as a medium of instruction,” he said.

“The federal government only needs to spend on building the school since the Penang state government is willing to offer land for free,” he added in his Deepavali message today. YAB Lim Guan Eng, FMT >Link<

My Views;

Now as Finance Minister and his party controlling Pulau Pinang surely finance and land not a problem. Why the drama of a committee to study the need when already approved by you as CM. Now as Finance Minister so much easier to just allocated funds unless it’s another Lim Guan Eng special, lie and lie some more with extra topping of misinformation and false promises.

In conclusion Pakatan Harapan made promises they had no intention of keeping with the sole intention of misleading the people for their political expediency.

The people are the biggest victims of their lies and I hope the Pakatan Harapan politicians have the courage to stop cheating the people and start delivering on their promises.

P.Kamalanathan

Walkabout di Pasar Pagi Peladang Felda Gedangsa - #HebatkanNegaraku #HidupRakyat

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Tue, 01 May 2018 15:45:00 +0000

1/5/2018 ; Pagi ini saya bersama Datuk Rosni Sohar, calon N05 Hulu Bernam telah

mengadakan program “walkabout” di Pasar Pagi Peladang Felda Gedangsa, Hulu Bernam. Sewaktu “Walkabout” saya berkesempatan untuk terinteraksi dengan masyarakat dari pelbagai lapisan kaum daripada pengunjung sehingga peniaga. Rata – rata mereka berkongsi bahawa Pasar Pagi ini merupakan Pasar Pilihan pertama masyarakat setempat.

Para peniaga yang berniaga di Pasar Pagi Peladang Felda Gedangsa ini terdiri daripada penduduk Felda Gedangsa dan ada sebahagian daripada mereka dari Felda Soeharto yang menjual hasil pertanian dan penternakan mereka sendiri kerana ramai pembeli menyukai barangan – barangan segar terus dari ladang. Harga barangan yang dijual amat berbaloi serta memenuhi kadar permintaan masyarakat setempat.

Saya berasa amat terharu dengan sambutan baik yang telah diberikan oleh komuniti setempat sewaktu lawatan kami. Saya juga berkesempatan untuk bersarapan pagi bersama dengan masyarakat tempatan di Pasar Pagi ini. Layanan mesra yang diberikan oleh mereka amat memberangsangkan dimana ia membuktikan bahawa Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang patriotik sejajar dengan slogan 1Malaysia.

Aura pilihan raya yang positif bersemarakan di tempat tersebut dimana ia melahirkan satu semangat kepada saya untuk terus berbakti kepada masyarakat Hulu Selangor seperti mana saya melaksanakan tanggungjawab saya selama 2 penggal lepas sebagai ahli parlimen Hulu Selangor.

Kamalanathan reveals plans for Hulu Selangor's next five years

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:31:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Caretaker Hulu Selangor Member of Parliament, Datuk P. Kamalanathan, today revealed the numerous plans in store for residents of the constituency in the next five years.

For one, two new public universities – an Islamic University and The National Defence University are among the projects in the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto if the party is re-elected to represent the constituents in GE14.

Kamalanathan, who will be defending his seat, said the two universities are sure to bring plenty of economic development to the local residents in view of the expected influx of a large number of students.

"Apart from this, we will also continue with the rehabilitation of Sungai Buaya and Lembah Beringin. The BN has also pledged to build a complex for the aged in the constituency which will also cater to the needs of disabled," he said.

As for the Orang Asli community, the Selangor BN will ensure that the entire settlement in the state is gazetted if they take over the state government.

"In fact, the allocation for the gazetting has already been approved and is being done in stages. From the RM1.3 million allocation, RM500,000 is for Hulu Selangor alone," he added.

Kamalanathan also said the construction of a motorcycle race track for the youth was also in the pipeline, to provide them a safe and conducive environment for the motorsport.

"Housing is a major part in my Hulu Selangor manifesto. For one, I want to increase the number of low cost houses in the constituency, increase housing facilities for those in the public service and also provide more affordable homes for the second generation Felda settlers," he said.

Other highlights of his manifesto include the construction of more classrooms for overcrowded schools in high density areas and the introduction of Rural Transformation Centres to further enhance the government's delivery system.

"There has been plenty of development in Hulu Selangor in the last eight years. From new school buildings, such as SJKT Kalumpang and SJKC Rasa, to hundreds of millions of ringgit spent on interchanges to spur economic growth.

"Numerous projects were also carried out to ease congestion in the constituency, like the Sungai Buaya interchange and Rawang Serendah highway," he added.

He pledged to continue working hard to help improve the living standards of people in the constituency and also do his part as a member of the MIC for the betterment of the Indian community.

SJK(T) Ramakrishna dapat Bangunan Baharu

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 02:22:00 +0000

Pada 16 Jun 2017 lalu, saya hadir menyerahkan blok bangunan baharu SJK(T) Ramakrishna di Negeri Pulau

Pinang kepada pihak pengurusan sekolah secara rasmi. SJK(T) Ramakrishna mendapat 3 blok bangunan baharu untuk menampung 260 orang murid dan guru – guru yang sedia ada. Blok Bangunan Baharu SJKT Ramakrishna ini telah mula dibina pada tahun 2015 dan siap sepenuhnya pada tahun 2017.

Blok bangunan Baharu ini dibina dengan Kos Rm4.70 juta yang diperuntukkan oleh Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia dan ianya mempunyai 3 blok bangunan baharu yang dibina dalam bentuk “U”. Sebanyak 12 bilik darjah dan bilik – bilik khas seperti Bilik ICT, Makmal Sains, Bengkel Kemahiran Hidup, Bilik BOSS,Bilik Mesyuarat, Bilik Bimbingan & Kaunseling, Bilik Pemulihan, Bilik Cetak, Bilik fail, bilik peperiksaan dan Kedai Buku.

Bukan itu sahaja, saya telah pun mengagihkan peruntukan penyelenggaraan RM320,000 ringgit pada tahun 2016 dan pada tahun 2016 tambahan peruntukkan sebanyak Rm150,000 untuk membuat penyelenggaraan sehingga bangunan baharu ini siap sepenuhnya.

Dengan adanya bangunan baharu ini, dijangka ada ada pertambahan pendaftaran murid – murid pada masa – masa yang akan datang. Saya mengambil kesempatan ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Y.A.B Dato Sri’ Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Perdana Menteri Malaysia, YB Dato Sri Mahdzir Khalid Menteri Pendidikan Malaysia dan YB Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam, Menteri Kesihatan Malaysia merangkap Presiden MIC yang komited dalam memartabatkan imej dan infrastruktur SJKT di Malaysia.

SJKT Taman Keladi, Nation's 528th Tamil School

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Wed, 24 May 2017 05:08:00 +0000

On 8th May 2017 I had the pleasure of attending the ground breaking ceremony of the 528th Tamil school in the nation SJKT Taman Keladi in Kedah. The plans for the school are very impressive and will have all modern facilities and infrastructure needed for the holistic educational experience each student is entitled too. It will have 18 classrooms , a computer lab, a science lab, a living skills learning room and also other facilities such as a library and text book room. The cost of the entire project is RM 18 million and with this ground breaking the continues transformation of Tamil schools continues with a flourish.

Currently the are 524 Tamil schools in operation, SJKT Taman Sentosa in Klang is the 525th school which is currently being built. SJKT Taman Bandar Mahkota Cheras is the 526th and the ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for 30th June 2017.The 527th is SJKT Bandar Seri Alam under construction in Pasir Gudang Johor. The 529th and 530th are SJKT Headwood in Sungai Siput and SJKT Taman PJS1 in Petaling Jaya. These new schools when completed will bring up the total Tamil schools in the nation to 530 and this is testament to the steadfast commitment of the Malaysian government under the esteemed PM Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak to ensure the future of vernacular education in the country.

Since the honourable PM has taken over the administration of the country we have seen a tremendous injection of financial aid towards the physical rejuvenation and added Tamil schools in Malaysia. To those naysayers who keep saying the vernacular schools are under threat in our country I can't think of a better response then this. The government has spent and continues to spend billions of ringgit for the continues operation of vernacular schools in the country.

The opposition often criticise for the sake of critiquing without a proper basis or understanding of the real situation and their misleading statements cause unnecessary Ill will just to satisfy their political expediency. I'd like to ask how much the governments in Pinang and Selangor have allocated to Tamil schools financially since 2009 and how much land they have given as well. I challenge them to show their commitment so far.

I must take this opportunity to thank the honourable PM for his dedication to the cause of transforming Tamil schools and also the president of MIC Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam for his vision and role as a catalyst for the changes taking place in Tamil schools. I must also thank the honourable Education Minister Dato Seri Mahdzir Khalid and the ministry of education for their unwavering support and dedication to the transformation process. The vision encapsulated in the National Education Blueprint (2013-2025) includes the comprehensive development of all schools across the board and this government is very focused on ensuring no student or school is left behind in the quest for a globally recognised quality education.

Perpaduan Asas Negara Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Thu, 18 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Asas sesebuah negara berdasarkan semangat kenegaraan dan perpaduan yang dipraktikan oleh rakyat Malaysia merupakan negara contoh kepada semua negara lain kerana negara kita yang mempunyai kombinasi pelbagai kaum yang hidup aman, sejahtera dan paling penting secara harmoni sejak negara kita merdeka. Perpaduan antara semua kaum adalah sentiasa kukuh dan tidak berbelah bahagi.

Initipati perpaduan ini adalah hasil hubungan silaturahim dan budaya rakyat Malaysia iaitu saling hormat menghormati antara kaum ini telah diamalkan sejak sekian lama dan sifat murni ini diturunkan sejak turun temurun melalui sejarah warisan yang ditinggalkan oleh nenak moyang kita.

Contoh terbaik yang saya boleh beri apabila saya dipilih menjadi Ahli Parlimen Hulu Selangor dan saya diterima oleh semua lapisan masyarakat termasuk para muslimin dan muslimat dari Hulu Selangor. Malah saya menjadi salah seorang daripada ahli keluarga mereka yang sentiasa menerima kunjungan saya dengan senyuman dan hati yang terbuka.

Pada bulan Ramadan, saya akan turut serta dengan rakan – rakan yang beragama islam di Parlimen Hulu Selangor dengan menyertai mereka waktu Sahur, Buka Puasa malah moreh pun ada. “Singgah Sahur dan Berbuka Puasa” ini telah saya amalkan sejak lama dan penglibatan saya dalam majlis sebegini mendekatkan diri saya dengan penduduk – penduduk yang beragama islam. Apabila tiba Sambutan Hari Deepavali, saya akan menerima kunjungan ramai masyarakat berbilang kaum untuk turut serta dalam memeriahkan sambutan ini. Ketika Majlis –majlis sebegini, saya berasa gembira dan syukur akan memajmukan yang kita amalkan selama ini.

Ramai yang mengetahui di kawasan saya juga terdapat para alim ulama seperti YBhg Dato’ Ustaz Haji Zainal Aibidin bin Sakom yang juga Bekas Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (Adun) Batang Kali yang cukup tersohor. Di peringkat kebangsaan pula kehadiran pemimpin hebat cendiakawan Islam seperti Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Dato Jamil Khir Baharom dan YB Senator Dato Asyraf Waidi bin Dato’ Dasuki. Mereka ini amat dikenali ramai dan cukup mahir dalam ajaran agama islam namun tidak sekali mereka mengkritik kefahaman agama lain

Parti MIC yang merupakan parti keramat yang mewakili masyarakat India di Malaysia sentiasa mempertahankan Perlembagaan Malaysia dimana setiap kaum diberi kebebasan menganuti agama masing – masing dan pada masa yang sama Parti MIC juga mengiktiraf kedudukan Agama Islam sebagai Agama Rasmi di Malaysia. Namun begitu apabila seorang individu dari luar negara memberi pandangan atau ideology yang boleh mengugat kesejahteraan dan perpaduan rakyat Malaysia maka Parti MIC tidak akan mendiamkan diri dan akan bangkit mempertahankan agenda perpaduan negara.

Parti MIC tidak pernah menentang mana – mana agama dan sentiasa menghormati rakan – rakan sekutu kami yang dari berlainan bangsa, agama dan kaum namun pendirian Parti MIC tetap teguh dan menentang habis-habisan dengan campur tangan orang asing yang dilihat cuba melaga-lagakan rakyat Malaysia yang berbilang Kaum. Bak kata pepatah “Bersatu teguh, Bercerai Kita Roboh”. Penentang ini adalah terhadap seorang individi yang bernama Zakir Naik pendakwah yang India yang menyampaikan ideloginya yang penyebabkan percanggahan pendapat dan boleh meretakan keharmonian semua rakyat Malaysia.

Negara asal Zakir Naik sedang menjalankan sisatan terhadap beliau atas pertuduhan jenayah berkaitan penggubahan wang sehingga negara India memohon bantuan Polis Antarabangsa untuk membawa balik Zakir Naik ke India untuk penyiasatan. Zakir Naik yang sepatutnya menyelesaikan pertuduhan terhadapnya dilihat cuba mencetuskan persengketaan antara kaum khususnya dengan yang bukan beragama islam. Adalah sungguh tidak beradab apabila beliau menghina agama dan kepercayaan kaum lain (selain islam) yang diamalkan oleh rakyat Malaysia.

Saya tegaskan sekali lagi MIC sebuah parti yang matang tidak pernah dan tidak akan menyelar mana – mana agama di Malaysia tetapi MIC berhak menegur sesiapa sahaja yang cuba “bermain api” mengancam perpaduan kaum yang menganut pelbagai agama termasuk islam di negara tercinta ini.

Amalan retorik dan menyemai bibit – bibit kebencian yang tidak kondusif yang dipraktikkan oleh Zakir Naik perlu ditangani segera. MIC berdiri kukuh dalam saf kepimpinan yang sama mendaulatkan perlembagaan negara ini.

Terima Kasih

Ditimpa kesusahan tanpa keberkatan ilmu daripada guru

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Sat, 13 May 2017 23:50:00 +0000

Kehidupan seseorang itu akan terus ditimpa pelbagai kesusahan sehingga akhir hayat jika gagal memperoleh keberkatan ilmu daripada guru.

Pendakwah terkenal, Datuk Mohd. Kazim Elias berkata, oleh itu, pengorbanan dan jasa guru perlu sentiasa dikenang walaupun mereka telah bersara.

“Selain itu, sikap yang sama juga perlu ditunjukkan terhadap guru anak-anak kita. Meskipun mereka tidak mengajar kita, tetapi guru-guru itu telah mendidik anak-anak kita membaca dan mengira.

“Jadi, kita perlu menghormati dan mengenang jasa mereka agar hidup terus diberkati,” katanya dalam Ceramah Perdana berjudul Guru Oh Guru sempena Festival Hari Guru Kebangsaan 2017 anjuran Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kumpulan Utusan di Padang A, Angsana Mall, di sini malam tadi.

Ceramah yang bermula pukul 9 malam itu turut dihadiri Pengarah Pendidikan negeri, Shaharudin Sharif dan Pengarang Pendidikan Utusan Malaysia, Wahid Hashim serta kira-kira 700 warga bandar raya ini.

Sementara itu, Mohd. Kazim berkata, guru bukan hanya golongan pendidik yang mengajar di sekolah atau institusi pengajian sebaliknya individu yang memberi manfaat kepada pihak lain.

Makaatas sebab itu kelebihan menjadi guru ini adalah pahalanya cukup besar kerana tiga amalan sahaja, iaitu sedekah jariah, ilmu yang dimanfaatkan dan doa anak-anak yang soleh yang boleh dibawa sehingga meninggal dunia.

“Saya sendiri telah mula menjadi guru pada tahun 1992, manakala pada 2006 saya mula membuka sekolah berasrama yang kini mempunyai 250 pelajar. Jadi, hampir 11 tahun menjadi guru besar.

“Banyak pengalaman yang saya peroleh sepanjang tempoh tersebut dan perbezaannya adalah ibu bapa hari ini yang cukup mencabar berbanding dahulu kerana majoriti melepaskan segala tanggungjawab kepada guru dan jika berlaku apa-apa, mereka menyerang pula guru berkenaan,” katanya. - Utusan

ETHICS IN JOURNALISM AND RESPONSIBLE REPORTING

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Tue, 02 May 2017 04:26:00 +0000

Journalism to me is a respected profession and only those with passion, high integrity and responsibility are suited for this job!

As an accredited public relations practitioner, I have the highest respect for all my friends from the media. They have and continue to play a big role in assisting me to disseminate important information to the public. It is a partnership that I cherish. And, in the cause of my engagement with them, I got to know many wonderful people and I am humbled that many of them are still my good friends until today!

However, some malicious reporting in a few media recently is worrying. I have been the direct target of these malicious reporting in some of the media.

According to the code of ethics by the Society of Professional Journalists, ethics in journalism is defined as – “Public enlightenment of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility.”

It is indeed sad that recently a Tamil media published a story of a demonstration participated by primary Tamil school students outside their school compound in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor. This was in relations to an alleged shortage of teachers in the school. This particular media failed in its moral, ethical and professional obligation to verify the alleged news before publishing it.

Incidentally, I am the Member of Parliament for Hulu Selangor and also the Deputy Minister of Education of Malaysia. In no uncertain terms do I wish to state my strong objection and anger towards these irresponsible adults who put the life and safety of the students at risk by forcing them to demonstrate by the side of the street in front of their school. Those responsible for this incident should be charged according to the law for endangering the lives of the students as well as other road users!

I have published in detail the matters and actions taken related to this matter on my Facebook and many of my readers have condemned the actions of these adults who used innocent students to demonstrate for their own selfish agenda.

The issue on the shortage of teachers in the Tamil school was brought to my attention on 10 March 2017 during my meeting with the Headmasters of all the Tamil schools in Hulu Selangor. I escalated this matter with the state and district education departments for an immediate solution. The department assessed the issue and appointed 2 teachers to report to the school on 2 May 2017 (today). This information was communicated by the Headmaster of the Tamil school to the PIBG Chairman on 26 April 2017 and he thanked the Headmaster for resolving the matter. On the morning of 27 April 2017, this same individual organised the demonstration outside the school for an issue that he is well aware off, has been resolved.

What is the motive of this individual in doing so?

Besides the PIBG Chairman, what was the motive of the Tamil media in publishing the news without verifying it with the Headmaster, the Ministry of Education or even myself? Can the readers then consider this as false news? What is the responsibility of this Tamil media towards its readers?

There are serious consequences when the media does not report the truth or practice fair reporting. Should we consider this a deliberate act to sensationalise the news or pure ignorance? Reporting the actual facts after the damage is done does not restore the credibility of the media when there is no known action by it to verify the facts before publishing!

Do we need something tragic to happen before the law is amended to hold these irresponsible people for reporting false news?

Warm greetings to each one of you who is reading this blog!

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 06:02:00 +0000

My absence in the blogging arena for about a year is something I did not anticipate. I've been blogging for about 10 years now and have always enjoyed sharing my experiences and opinions and not doing it for a year has redoubled my desire to put pen to paper or rather finger to keyboard as the case maybe.

It's been exactly 7 years to the date I was first elected as an MP for Hulu Selangor. It has been a very adventures and enlightening journey so far. I've learnt so much through a myriad of experiences and indeed I'm blessed to have this opportunity to serve.

My elevation to the Deputy Minister of Education post is equally humbling and a worthwhile opportunity which I'm continuing to seize and make the best of on a daily basis. The responsibility of handling the single most important resource of a nation weighs heavily but rewards amply when policy and implementation work in coherent efficiency.

I missed my engagement with you in sharing views and obtaining valuable and constructive feedback from my dear readers.

My responsibilities at the Ministry of Education (MOE) had kept me on my toes as there are various challenges to be faced and time is of the essence in ensuring success. I am happy with what I have been able to contribute and achieve at MOE, the schools, teachers and students. It has been a challenging and most satisfying journey that I will continue to work with commitment and passion.

Today, I wish to announce my return to the blogging world!

I will be sharing my views on education in general, Tamil schools, the challenges and opportunities in education for the Indian community in Malaysia, the political transformation that is taking place in Malaysia, critical announcements from MOE and MIC, activities and programs in my parliament constituency in Hulu Selangor as well any other public interest matters that I am privy to.

I look forward to your continued support of this blog.

Thank you !

SJKT Nigel Gardner Food Poisoning : NEVER AGAIN

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:02:00 +0000

2 March 2016 : The food program for students who are under privileged is a noble endeavor by the government to make sure that the students who need it get the necessary nutrition so that their body and mind are in a healthy state to ensure optimum attention on their studies. When I heard of the food poisoning case of the students in Nigel Gardner School I was immensely angry and disappointed that such a careless situation could even take place.

During my visit to Sungai Buloh Hospital

I was informed of the issue on the 26^th morning while in Johor for official work reasons. The first thing I looked into arranging was transport for the afflicted 20 student to be ferried to the Sungai Buloh hospital to be checked and I was very relieved that all of those admitted were in stable condition. As soon as I was informed of the incident my immediate instruction to the officers in charge was to suspend the company providing the tainted food and also make sure that a qualified supplier of food be put in place as to not disrupt the on going extra food program.

I personally committed to pay for all the treatment of the affected students and also their follow up treatment if deemed necessary. I also instructed that all 54 students who ate the food to be given transport to do an x-ray the next day as a precautionary measure to ensure they are really free from any health afflictions due to the food poisoning.

I visited the children yesterday and was very relieved when the doctors informed me that there was not any permanent health issue for any of them. I will also personally continue to monitor the progress and recuperation of the admitted children till they are fully healthy and back to school. However let this be a severe warning to all those providing food for school children that such occurrences should never happen again nor will it be tolerated and the ministry will use the full extent of the law to punish those who provide tainted food, nothing is more important than the health and welfare of our children.

I’ve also instructed that the school authorities and teachers in charge of this program first check on the food and its quality before any student is allowed to eat it. It’s our responsibility to take every step possible to protect the well being of students. I’m awaiting the ministry’s full report on the matter as well as the hospitals findings before deciding on a sterner action against the company involved.

- P.Kamalanathan

IS DATO' SERI G PALANIVEL AND FOUR OTHERS STILL MEMBERS OF M.I.C.?

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 03:31:00 +0000

Surely, not a difficult question to answer.

I am convinced that based on Article 91 of the MIC constitution, Dato' Seri G.Palanivel and four others who instituted a judicial review application against the Registrar of Societies (ROS) have ceased to be members of the party.

Article 91 of MIC’s constitution reads: "Every member shall be bound by the decision of the Central Working Committee in matters relating to his rights, obligations, duties and privileges as a member of the Congress.

"If the member resorts to court proceedings in respect of his rights, obligations, duties and privileges or on behalf of any other member or in respect of the rendering or meaning of the provisions of this Constitution without first referring to the Central Working Committee or in violation of any decision or directive of the Central Working Committee he shall 'ipso facto' cease to be a member of the Congress and shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a member.”

In the judgement made recently, the learned judge in her decision cited a letter dated 5 February 2015 from the ‘President’ of MIC agreeing to hold fresh elections for all positions subsequent to his meeting with the Prime Minister.  Additionally, on 6 February 2015, the ‘President’, on behalf of MIC again submitted a proposal or proceedings to ROS to hold fresh elections to resolve the matter.

The learned judge was fair in her decision to conclude that the ‘President’ cannot claim to be adversely affected when he had agreed on having fresh elections for all positions.

The ‘President’ had also agreed to the 2009 CWC to conduct the fresh elections.

It is therefore the right decision by ROS not to appoint the 2013 CWC to conduct the fresh elections in view of the fact that it was tainted with illegality.  This decision is further supported by the ‘President’ himself who submitted the names of the 2009 CWC to conduct the fresh elections.

Article 91 is very specific in its meaning and in the very first line it expressly says that ‘every member shall be bound by the decision of the Central Working Committee (CWC) in matters relating to his rights, obligations, duties and privileges as a member of the Congress.’  It goes on to say that if a member resorts to court proceedings, he will cease to be a member of the Congress.

 In her judgement, the learned judge also mentions that the applicants had not produced any resolution from the CWC to file the case in court.

Again it contravenes Article 91 and by virtue of it, the applicants cease to be members of the Congress.

It is my hope that this matter is not dragged further based on the detailed and justifiable decision of the learned judge.  Any attempt to further delay the resolution of this matter will be at the expense of the members of the party and progress of the Indian community.

The plaintiffs had taken this matter to court and they should now respect the decision of the court. I believe a fresh election for all positions is the best resolution and it should be constituted immediately.

RMK11 & MALAYSIAN INDIAN COMMUNITY - THE WAY FORWARD

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Fri, 29 May 2015 02:19:00 +0000

I am humbled and happy to share with you the concern and kindness offered towards the Indian community by our beloved Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak when announcing the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK 11) recently.

Humbled, because a few of us from the community were able to provide good suggestions for the prosperity of the community, and happy because the Honourable Prime Minister listened to the feedback from the Indian community when he was developing the RMK 11.

Many of our proposals were considered and included in the RMK 11 by the Honourable Prime Minister. This proves that the government is committed to listening to solutions and ideas that originate from the Indian community.

In fact, the RMK 11 proposal is an extension of the Special Cabinet Committee on Indians Affairs initiative that delves deep into the areas that most impact and affect the Indian community in Malaysia. The committee which is chaired by the Honourable Prime Minister himself and ably assisted by Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam, the Minister of Health and Deputy President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), is responsible and accountable in managing the multiple dimensions of mainstream development in the country.

Other responsibilities include creating avenues for the Indian community to be part of this wave. Affirmative action and policies are discussed at this committee to ensure that the Indian communities in Malaysia achieve their full potential and the government instrumentation is able and ready to facilitate this transformation.

Another Minister and two Deputy Ministers from MIC are members of this committee as well the chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Dr. Ali Hamsa. Other high powered, prominent civil servants in the committee are the Secretary General of the Malaysian Treasury. Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar, Secretary Generals from the Ministry of Education YBhg Tan Sri Dr. Madinah and Dato' Seri Dr. Zaini Ujang and many Secretary Generals from various ministries.

This platform is the best place to formulate far reaching plans for the complete transformation of the Indian community and the catalyst to successfully chart the road map of change to the Malaysian Indian community. A little information on what transpired behind the scene to achieve the above success.

On the 17 and 18 January of this year, my office in collaboration with MIC organized a conference titled “Inclusivity in the 11th Malaysian Plan of Indians Education Needs”.

It was heartening to note that 130 Indians who were experts in their fields on education came together to come up with specific suggestions to the government to be included in the 11th Malaysian plan. Apart from the education based NGO’s the participants included various professors and also a deputy Vice Chancellor besides teachers and lecturers from across the country.

The purpose of this conference is to engage and take a holistic view of the challenges that the younger generation of Malaysian Indians have been facing and continue to face in the field of education.

The conference was divided into five specific levels of education namely pre-school, SJKT (Tamil schools), SK (National Schools), TVET (Polytechnics, Vocational and Technical education) and tertiary education. The outcome of the program was the identification of the relevant issues faced coupled with reasonable and realistic suggestions that are practical to be incorporated into RMK 11.

The aim was to ensure the inclusivity of Malaysian Indians to have optimum opportunities in their educational endeavours. Ultimately Malaysian Indians will be on par with all other Malaysians as the nation steps into the realm of a fully developed and high income nation.

Moving on, the proposal was completed and it was handed over to Datuk Seri Wahid Omar, who is the Minister in charge of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This was done in March.

Also the proposal was presented to Yayasan Pemulihan Social (YPS) during their organizations conference “Transformational Agenda for Community Resilience & Cohesion: Malaysian Indians & 11th Malaysia Plan, which was headed by YBhg Dato' Seri Utama S Samy Vellu, this was done so they could incorporate the educational perspective to their proposals to the government.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY INDEX 2014 (MALAYSIA)

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 15:58:00 +0000

I refer to the numerous comments that have been circulating in the social media on the standard of our English which has been taken out of context.

I was specifically referring to the EF English Proficiency Index for Companies (EF EPI-c) which is an evaluation of global workforce English skills.

The EF English Proficiency Index for Companies (EF EPI-c) is an evaluation of global workforce English skills. This is the second edition of the study, following an earlier report in 2012. It measures English proficiency levels in 22 industries and 63 countries, in companies with an annual turnover ranging from under $1 million to over $100 billion.

The report aims, first, to set national and international benchmarks for workforce English, against which individuals and companies can evaluate their communicative competitiveness; and second, to assess why companies in some countries and sectors perform better than others, and to highlight examples of best practice.

In their latest rankings for English Proficiency, Malaysia was ranked higher than Singapore under the High Proficiency category.

Please refer to this link for details of the rankings -> www.ef.edu/epi

MIC SHOULD NOT CONDONE DISSENT

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 02:58:00 +0000

The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) has been on the forefront of the Malaysian political news for the wrong reasons. However, I beg to differ that everything is negative about the ongoing tussle, disputes and interpretation of the MIC constitution by legal experts from both sides of the divide.

To put things in perspective, it is the party that matters and no individual is larger than the party. It is refreshing to see that many people believe that they have the expertise and capability to lead MIC. This is a healthy trend for the party and a truly democratic process that we can all be proud off. MIC surely is not a dying party as seen by the many leaders who are eager to serve the community, in particular the Indian community here in Malaysia. This is a positive environment and as a soccer coach would have termed it, “I have a complete team with capable players in all departments, including the reserves.” With ample talents waiting to serve the party, it can only take the party to greater heights with the needed transformation to meet current needs.

As we take stock of this long ongoing issue, we can see that it has not destroyed the party but both the leaders have used their wisdom to come together to resolve the issue. At a meeting attended by both Dato’ Seri G. Palanivel and Dato’ Seri Dr S. Subramaniam in the presence the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister, it was amicably agreed that both feuding parties will adhere to the order given by the Registrar of Society (RoS) to conduct fresh election for all positions, including the President and Deputy President. I am sure both leaders had put the party before self to come to this decision to resolve the impasse. Only true leaders have the wisdom to come to such decisions.

I strongly believe that when both the leaders have made a decision, it is only appropriate and respectful for all members aligned to the leaders to conform to the decision made. Any act otherwise will be a direct insult and disrespect to both the leaders.

It is therefore very sad that a member of the party had filed a court case against RoS only days after this truce was agreed upon. Any such action by any member of the party should be strongly condemned by both the leaders. It is highly unethical for any member of the party to act against the decision made by both leaders.

In fact, the MIC constitution does not condone any court action by a member before referring the matter to the Central Working Committee (CWC).

Clause 91 of the MIC constitution reads ; Every member shall be bound by the decision of the CWC in matters related to his rights, obligations, duties and privileges as a member of the Congress. If he resorts to court proceedings in respect of his rights, obligations, duties and privileges or on behalf of any other member or in respect of the rendering or meaning of the provisions of this constitution without first referring to the CWC or in violation of any decision or directive of the CWC he shall be ipso facto cease to be a member of the Congress and shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a member.

It is therefore very clear that the MIC constitution does not support dissent and it is now up to both the leaders to decide if they will be in agreement to uphold the constitution and act accordingly in the interest of the party. The party constitution is the single most important document that protects the existence and smooth operation of the party and the well-being of the Indian community in Malaysia.

I call upon both the leaders to show the same level of resolve in the interest of the party to address this suit filed against RoS as it will divide and create further disunity among members. The implication of this legal recourse can be very damaging to the party.

As true leaders, I call upon them to act without fear or favour in the bigger interest of the party!

WELCOME BACK 2015

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 10:32:00 +0000

With year 1 students from SJKT Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor.

With Form 5 students from SMK Bukit Sentosa 2, Hulu Selangor.

2015 is here and after a delayed period schools all across the country are ready to get back to the serious business of educating Malaysian students all across the country.

My heart goes out to those brave parents and schools that have to deal with the horrid after effects of the floods and yet still find the ways and means to ensure their children are prepared and ready to begin schools.

I’d like to extend my warmest welcome to all stakeholders in the nation’s education system.

The students from various age groups and schooling streams, the PIBG of all schools, and of course the dedicated and pivotal teachers who are the molders of our children’s futures.

I must also welcome the efficient officers from the state and district officers who will be the catalyst for the transformation of our education paradigm.

All stakeholders have a part to play in ensuring the year is a milestone one for our countries education quality. The National Education Blueprint culminates with the end of the first wave this year and all parties have to work in a cohesive, united and integrated manner to achieve the aims and goals of the blueprint.

Dear students, no matter what your achievements or failures in your academic endeavor last year it’s a new clean slate this year and past achievements have to be built on for greater success and for those who didn’t do so well its another opportunity to start anew and turn the corner. Hard work and determination is the surefire way to success and each and every one of YOU have the potential within to achieve greatness if you apply yourself with grit and steadfastness.

Its my humble prayer to the Almighty to bless all students, teachers, parents, officers in Ministry of Education. and state/district offices to have a great 2015 full of progress, improvement and success. Welcome Back to School 2015

TOGETHER, LET US PUT A STOP TO BULLYING IN OUR SCHOOLS!

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 07:14:00 +0000

I was on my working visit to some schools in Kedah and decided to pay a personal visit to the home of school bully victim, Muhammad Ridzuan bin Mohammed Ismail from Sekolah Kebangsaan Iskandar, Alor Setar. The incident took place in December 2014. I am deeply saddened with this incident and incidents of bullying in our schools. This is a dangerous culture and behaviour that we need to put a stop to!  It requires the combined efforts of all involved and not just the school or the Ministry of Education.

There are many facets to bullying including verbal, emotional, physical and even cyber bullying. However, it is human tendency to only take matters seriously when it is our children who are the victims or perpetrators of such acts. Instead of reacting to the issue, I wish to appeal to all parents to work together with the school and the Ministry of Education to prevent such incidents from happening.

More often than not, we find that victims of bullying do not report the matter to the school authorities.  The Ministry of Education is committed to change this attitude and provide channels for victims of bullying to feel safe and protected when reporting a bullying incident.  The school should be a place where the students feel safe, with an environment that supports social and intellectual growth.

Though the cases of reported bullying is only 0.05% of the total student population of more than 5 million, it is a still a worrying trend that we wish to eradicate completely.

The Ministry of Education is very concerned about the act of bullying in schools and will not compromise in taking stern action against those caught in this act.   All schools have been given clear guidelines on this matter and we have also taken proactive measures to address this issue in schools.

The ministry has taken the following measures to address and mitigate the existence of a bullying tendency among students ;

i.                    Appointment of a professional teacher counselor for every 500 students in a school

ii.                  Identifying and providing dedicated counseling for problematic students

iii.              Providing an effective platform in schools  for students to provide feedback or complaint

iv.           Organising orientation programs for new students to get to know the school, teachers and students better

In addition to the above, since 2014, the ministry has started a program called Healthy Mind (Minda Sihat) to help students in secondary schools to manage stress, anxiety and the feeling of low morale due to environment, family or personal matters.

I wish to again appeal to the parents and students to play a critical role in this issue by coming forward to report any form of ragging or bullying that they may have information on inside the school.  The school is duty bound under our Standard Operating Procedure to report such matters to the state education department and the ministry, and at the same time take immediate action, wherever necessary.

Let us together put a stop to bullying in our schools!

PT3 IS THE WAY FORWARD FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 02:58:00 +0000

The inaugural Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3) results that was released recently has drawn praise as well criticism from stakeholders as well the general public. The encouraging part of this development is the interest and concern shown by many for Malaysia to have quality education that is comparable to the best in the region and globally. Every feedback is priceless as all our intentions are the same ; to ensure our students in Malaysia are given the best education possible.

As in any new endeavour or positive change, time is of essence. We need to be fair in our feedback as this new initiative is a learning curve that requires the support of all to achieve its objective. The effectiveness of change is not always immediate, especially so when it concerns education. It may take some time to fine-tune this new format of evaluation. However, constructive feedback is most welcomed as the common objective is to aim for excellence in our education system.

We must also be careful not to be dragged into a conversation to compare the current PT3 examination with PMR. Both the examinations differ in format and instrument, use of subjective questioning with open response methodology as compared to objective multiple choice responses and further enhancement in the marking process. In essence, these are two different sets of examination and comparing them is a futile effort.

I personally do not agree with those who have blindly criticised our PT3 examination which is premised on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTs). A very basic comparison would be on those students who have performed well in our PT3 examination. I am sure they went through the same education system as every other student, if not throughout the country, but at least at their respective schools. If they are able to understand the new format and perform, what was the challenge for the other students?

Another case in point is Aisyah Azizul Raheem, the 15 year old eldest child of Azizul Raheem Awalludin and Shalwati Norshal who were arrested by Swedish authorities for abusing their children. She performed well to score 5As though she only studied for eleven months in Malaysia, amid a family crisis. Given the situation she was in, her performance was exceptional! The question many should ask is why many of our very own students found PT3 a challenge or difficult, as claimed by some of them and their parents in the media.

I wish to appeal to all concerned to come together and work with the ministry of education to ensure our intention of providing quality education is achieved in the shortest time possible. This calls for constant engagement and constructive feedback from all stakeholders. I am sure the ministry of education welcomes all constructive feedback and is committed to do what it takes for our education system to be among the best in the world.

Let us work together for a better future of our students.

Isu Soalan UPSR Bocor : Hikmah kepada Pendidikan negara

noreply@blogger.com (P.Kamalanathan) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 02:49:00 +0000

Klik untuk resolusi besar

MY VIEWS: Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 11:52:00 +0000

The subject of religion is a sensitive issue. For each and all, their religion is a way of life, a guide to good living and a believe that they hold dear to.

As such, Malaysia is a known liberal country where many religions are practiced and followed by all walks of life, with no harassment or restrictions. However, issues such as the recent right to choose the religion of a child keeps being a lingering torn in the flesh.

The "parent/parents" saga has drawn widespread attention, On a lighter note, parent/parents would probably yearn to ever gain this much of an attention from their children.

With regards to this issue,many ideas,view have been exchanged albeit controvesially.

My take is that, it does not take a single parent to decide the future of a child. A bright future for a child is often a norm when both the parent take a hand in hand approach to their child's life. It is important that both the parent are happy, satisfied and content with the religion that their child is to adhere to for rest of his life.

In Mahabaratha, the Pandavas devotion to Kunti Devi, their mother is exampalery. Ramayana meanwhile shows the Lord Rama fulfilling his dad's word and going into exile.

The aforementioned scriptures show that both parent have equal importance. In Hinduism, it is known that these scriptures were written to indicate purpose in life and the role of each being. The wordings of the act seems to indicate that one parent has an upper hand over the other, which I presume is contradictory to teachings of all religion.

The government understands the complexity of the issue and will take into account the sentiments of all stakeholders before making a decision. The bill is in its early stages and from my understanding its a translation difference between the English and Malay language versions of the bill that is the cause of concern. While the English version clearly states the need for both parents to consent to conversion of a child the Malay language version states that either parent can make the decision for a child under 18 years of age. I'm sure this matter can be solved amicably and even the honorable Deputy Prime Minister YAB Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yassin has agreed that amendments would be made if the situation warrants it.

I personally hope that suitable amendments are made to ensure that when it comes to a choice of religion for a child, it has to be a collective decision and not a unilateral one.

TERIMA KASIH, நன்றி, THANK YOU, 谢谢.

noreply@blogger.com (PKamalanathan) — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:03:00 +0000

Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan tahniah kepada Kerajaan Barisan Nasional dan khususnya YAB Dato' Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak kerana berjaya membentuk Kerajaan Barisan Nasional dan mengurus negara yang kita cintai untuk lima tahun akan datang.

Jutaan TERIMA KASIH kepada semua rakyat Malaysia yang mengundi Barisan Nasional dan terus meletakkan kepercayaan anda terhadap kami. Terima kasih kepada semua yang telah menunaikan tanggungjawab anda untuk mengundi dalam Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13. Saya juga ingin merakamkan penghargaan saya kepada semua yang terlibat dalam memastikan proses pilihan raya yang cekap dan lancar.

Akhir sekali, saya amat terharu dengan kepercayaan yang diberikan kepada saya oleh pengundi-pengundi yang saya hormati di Hulu Selangor. Saya berjanji untuk memberi perkhidmatan yang terbaik untuk masyarakat dan akan terus mengambil semua maklum balas yang membina untuk memastikan masa depan yang lebih baik untuk kita semua.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Barisan Nasional Government and in particular Dato' Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak for successfully forming the Barisan Nasional Government and manage our beloved country for the next five years.

A big THANK YOU to all Malaysians who voted for Barisan Nasional and continued to put your trust in us. Thank you to all who had fulfilled your responsibility to vote in the 13th General Election. And my appreciation and acknowledgement to all those involved in ensuring we had an efficient and smooth election process.

Finally, I am humbled by the faith and trust given to me by my dear voters in Hulu Selangor. I promise to do my best for the community and will continue to take all constructive feedback to ensure a better future for all of us.