As we all know, Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) was created to champion and hone the minds of bright, underprivileged Malaysian students. This means that these underprivileged students are given priority to join MRSM schools as compared to their privileged counterparts.
Now, it looks like the school’s authorities are looking into creating a paid-version of the school for upperclassmen, based on their requests.
Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki took to his Facebook page to share the concept of a ‘paid’ MRSM, where T20 parents are given the opportunity to pay for their kids to get an MRSM education.
“I share my views on the need for MARA Corp to always look for investment and business opportunities that provide high returns and social impact, in accordance with the mandate of MARA itself.”
“I also presented the views I got from many parties who suggested that there should also be a ‘paid’ MRSM specially designed for the high-income elite community segment that can be managed by MARA Corp,” he wrote, adding that the philosophy, orientation and culture of education of MRSM will not be compromised.
This was brought up as there have allegedly been requests from T20 parents who prefer that their children receive an MSRM education.
“I believe, there is a demand from parents of this group who want their children to enter the MRSM system and are even willing to bear the cost even if they are able to send them to elite international private schools.”
“This is because MRSM is proven to be a brand that has been etched in the minds of the community as a unique and high quality educational institution. Therefore, I ask MARA and MARA Corp to refine this proposal holistically to meet this segment of society,” he urged, while asking for everyone’s opinion on this matter.
Well, ask and you shall receive
People have since taken to social media to shoot down the idea as they believe that this is a tactic for the privileged to further divide themselves from the rest of society and take away the from the main purpose of MRSM, which is to champion smart, underprivileged students.
“I don’t agree. Don’t create a gap between the rich and the poor. It’s dangerous.”
“I feel like the existence of a ‘paid’ MRSM for the elites will create a gap between students. MRSM is for students with brains. Not for rich kids. The elites are more than capable of providing a good education for their children. Let MRSM remain for those who are eligible.”
“A ‘paid’ MRSM. The teachers are civil servants. These elites will easily pressure teachers on the grounds that they are paying a lot. Their dignity will easily be threatened by this group.”
What do you think? Should the uber-wealthy be allowed to have their own division of MRSM or should the school remain as it is, an educational institute for the underprivileged?
Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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This post first appeared on WORLD OF BUZZ.