Maszlee: BN stooping to level of focusing on shoes
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Minister, who has been criticised for his black shoe remarks, accused Barisan Nasional MPs of unfairly “focusing” on the issue.
This took place when Dr Maszlee Malik was answering a question on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
As he was explaining on the importance placed by the Pakatan Harapan government in having holistic engagement on the UEC, he suddenly took a swipe at the Barisan lawmakers.
“Not like Barisan MPs, they only place importance on socks and shoes. That is the level of Barisan MPs, they fail to understand,” said Dr Maszlee.
Chaos ensued when some Barisan lawmakers raised their voices in protest.
Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) referred to Dr Maszlee as menteri kasut (shoe minister).
Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lengong) was heard shouting: “This is the standard of a shoe minister.”
As the attacks continued on both sides, Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Nga Kor Ming defused the situation by switching off the
microphone and urged Dr Maszlee to continue with his reply.
Dr Maszlee was previously criticised for focusing on the colour of shoes and socks at national schools.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was once an education minister, had “lauded” Dr Maszlee for his “farsightedness” in looking to change the colour of school students’ shoes and socks.
Najib also suggested that Dr Maszlee looked into the colour of school uniforms and buildings next.
Dr Maszlee, however, chided the media for
sensationalising the issue and focusing on trivial matters.
Earlier, in the Dewan Rakyat, Dr Maszlee said a special committee had been set up to gather the views of all parties in recognising UEC to ensure that it was acceptable by all.
“This is because UEC is not just about examinations but it also involves issues on law, national integration and the future of the children,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap).
Dr Maszlee also said that the committee would present the report to the ministry next year.