Tiong questions rationale behind black shoes directive
KUCHING: Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing says the reason behind the directive by Education Ministry to make it compulsory for students to wear black shoes is ridiculous.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Tiong said wearing white shoes encouraged students to be disciplined and be aware of cleanliness.
He pointed out they could not hide the dirt on white shoes while stains on black shoes are not visible thus enabling the students to avoid washing their shoes leading them to be irresponsible for their own cleanliness.
Washing white shoes to keep them clean is not a waste of time, he added, but rather it is good training for them to take care of their belonging.
Tiong also brought up the burden parents in the lower income group would face in having new pairs of shoes for their children.
He added in his constituency there are many rural schools where students come from big poor families.
The parents would find it very difficult to buy new black shoes to replace the white ones their children are wearing to school now, he said.
Tiong said rules should not be changed just for the sake of making a difference without taking into account the merits and ramification of the directive.
The Bintulu MP also asked about the status of the RM100 voucher for books for students from lower income group and the RM200 voucher for those in higher learning institutions.
Touching on the recognition of UEC, Tiong said the PH government has been flip flopping over the issue.
“This has caused much confusion among students sitting for the certificate and their parents,” he said.
Earlier, Tiong also asked about the withdrawal of small projects which directly affect the life of rural people.
He said the PH government must keep its promises to help the rural population made in its election manifesto instead of adding to their woes by pulling back or delaying these projects.