The PerantiSiswa program which grants eligible students free tablets is definitely a good move to ease the burden off of their shoulders. Unfortunately, some students took things for granted and instead of putting the tablets to good use, they decided to resell the tablets.
Many Malaysians have since condemned the act, and Syed Saddiq also has a message to those students who are happily reselling the free tablets.
“Please don’t sell the free tablets. There are more needy students from poor families who are in dire needs of the tablets.”
In his Twitter post last night (October 25), Saddiq expressed his disappointment over the matter and made it clear that the free tablets are not meant for sale. The free tablets are being sold for multiple reasons, such as,
- The receivers already own an iPad
- The receivers don’t actually need it
- The desire to upgrade to an iPad
The co-founder of MUDA then reminded the receivers that 1 out of 3 students in Malaysia can’t even afford a tablet or a device for educational purposes, and the situation is even worse in Borneo.
“50% of the students in Borneo don’t even have any device to study. Please think of them.”
But that’s not all.
Saddiq also revealed that a lot of students from poor families who really could use the tablets had their applications rejected due to reasons unknown, and this makes the act of reselling the free tablets truly uncalled for.
“You’re taking away the rights of the students from poor families who does not have the tablets.”
As the gap between digital education and both rich & poor families is getting further, Saddiq said that we should focus on helping the students in need because this is our responsibility together. You can watch the clip below.
Adik-adik, janganlah jual tablet yang dah dibagi.
Ada banyak lagi pelajar dari keluarga susah yang memerlukan.
It’s our responsibility to help them. pic.twitter.com/w7V3C4fVUV
— Syed Saddiq (@SyedSaddiq) October 25, 2022
If you’re among the receivers who actually don’t need the tablets, it’ll be wise to return the device or at least give it away to your peers who actually need it more. Everyone has the right to equal access to education, and none shall be left out.
Also read: M’sian Teacher Waits for Students to Attend Additional Class But NO ONE Shows Up
