Cahaya Society Supports KPM’s Efforts to Provide Education Access to Undocumented Children
Cahaya Society has expressed its support for the efforts of the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) to provide space and opportunities for undocumented children to access education in government schools. In a statement released on Monday, the organization highlighted the importance of ensuring that these efforts are implemented concretely and comprehensively, with several follow-up suggestions to enhance the initiative.
One of the key suggestions put forth by Cahaya Society is the need to define the term „undocumented“ or „stateless“ for the context of Sabah, as the current understanding of these terms can lead to misconceptions and contribute to radical racial prejudices. It is essential to identify undocumented children through field mapping and data collection, as well as consultation sessions with NGOs working on this issue. This includes developing a comprehensive action plan that takes into account the views of academics, activists, think tanks, and education advocates involved in supporting undocumented children, ensuring full representation from Sabah and Sarawak.
The statement also emphasizes the importance of launching a nationwide „Education for All“ campaign, both in digital and physical forms, to ensure that there are no sentiments or prejudices that lead to ethnic division. Cahaya Society hopes that the government will take these proposed amendments seriously, commit to them, and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the success of these changes.
In a report by Sinar Harian on June 14, it was mentioned that KPM is considering amending the school admission regulations to ensure that education access is provided to all children, including non-citizens and those without identification documents. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the amendments to the Education Regulations (Admission of Students to Schools, Maintenance of Registers, and Conditions for the Continuation of Student Learning in Schools) 1998 would apply to both government schools and government-assisted schools.
The efforts to provide education access to undocumented children are crucial in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their legal status. By supporting KPM’s initiatives and advocating for the rights of undocumented children, organizations like Cahaya Society are playing a vital role in promoting inclusivity and equality in education. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that every child has the chance to learn and thrive in a supportive and nurturing educational environment.