One Malaysia Hostel, its developments and potential
In 2009 the Federal government decided in the establishment of the one Malaysia hostel. This was based on a decision made at the Cabinet committee on the Indian community meeting chaired by the PM on Sept 28, 2009. The request was made by the Indian community to address the issues of underachievers with behavior problems from low income families. It was felt that a residential program providing educational and character development would be transformational.
On Tuesday Jan 18, 2011 Dato Siva Subramaniam and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria visited the 1 Malaysia Hostel which was in operation for a year to hear of the pilot phase and developments. They were met by Tuan Haji Mohd Adenan Bin Deraman, the FT Education Director and other department officials including the head of the hostel Mr Mohd Norsham Yusoff
Mr Cyril Singam from the School’s section of the Ministry of Education provided a comprehensive over view of the pilot phase which will be scaled up in 2011 and beyond. While there is a major shift from the original intensions, nonetheless the initiatives of the Federal government in providing a new residential facility with the noble objective of creating a new generation of 1Malaysia young leaders is in the right set forward.
In the power point presentation made by the MoE officials the following thoughts can be summarized:-
2010 Program & achievements
- The first intake of 67 boys for Form 1 were admitted on May 9, 2010 of whom 32 were Malays, 9 Chinese and 26 Indians. Now this group in Jan 2011 has dropped to 57 of whom 34 are Malays, 8 Chinese and 16 Indians. They are in Form 2
- The temporary residential facility is located in KL in a renovated facility. The students study in nearby schools. They are provided with basic hostel facilities (food, accommodation, study area, IT room and recreation facilities. They are provided transport. All the expanses are covered by the government.
- They also have special programs and there is a strong thrust and orientation towards nation unity and integration
2011 new opportunities and thrust
We were also briefed on the 2011 intake and shift of the residential facilities by Feb 2011 to another temporary facility in KL in the Titiwangsar area. The details are as follows:-
- The 2011 intake is open to admit 100 boys for Form 1 of whom 40 places are reserved for Malays, 30 for Chinese and 30 for Indians. The basic entry requirement is 5A or 7A at UPSR and they must be from low income families.
- Applications are open to any boys from Peninsular Malaysia and the closing date is Jan 28, 2011. All applications must have the endorsement of their current secondary school Principal where they are enrolled for Form 1.
- The unique feature of the 2011 program is that the students will be placed in three primer secondary schools namely SMK Victoria, SMK Methodist & SMK St John
- In addition, the real thrust will be to mold future leaders with a national unity understanding and framework for national leadership and development. Over the next 5 to 7 years (between Form 1 to STPM) these youths will be molded into transformational young leaders with a 1malaysia mindset. To this end the Department of Education will organize special programs to foster this transformation of mindsets and values.
Some Suggestions for the Future
Both Dato Siva Subramaniam and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria were impressed with the efforts of the Ministry of Education. In order to strengthen the program they made the following recommendations
- That an advisory panel we appointed to provide input and be a real link between the government, community and families. They could also ensure greater community participation in supporting the program as well as promoting the objectives and assisting in the requirements.
- That the staff team from the Ministry of Education must reflect the 1 Malaysia team including the active participation of voluntary organizations
- That there be some discussion on the conceptual framework development including setting a clear package of programs which will mold and nature young transformational leaders in the 1 Malaysia mindset and practice. Ministry could secure the support of the Yayasan 1Malaysia headed by Prof Dr Chandra Muzaffar and the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) at UKM under the leadership of Prof Shamsul
- That greater thought be given to cultural expressions in the hostel which will reflect the 1Malaysia identity. In the context it was suggested the caterer could secure the support of different restaurant association like the Indian and Indian Muslim restaurants and different catering schools to ensure there is a varied of meal preparations are served.
- That more information on the day hostels (Hostel Harian) run by MoE at the school level be provided to the Taskforce in order to enable review in order to explore possibilities in securing places for underachieving youths.
According to Datuk Dr Denison, the 1 Malaysia hostel is indeed a major initiative of the PM and therefore we must ensure that it is successful. In the long run we must work towards ensuring other residential facilities such as day hostel and residential schools also reflect the multi ethnic and cultural outlook of 1Malaysia.
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To get the 2011 application forms and details please contact :-
Taskforce Secretariat - Mr. Thana (016 295 7172) or Mrs premla (03 8871 1280)
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