Ready to bring back students, if…
Published on: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
Arifin said 248 Sabahans are studying in Egypt, 79 in Jordan and nine in Saudi Arabia in several universities in various majors under scholarships, bursaries and some also study at their own expenses. Pic (right) for illustrative purposes only.
Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Higher Education and Wisma Putra are ready for any eventuality – including bringing back 336 Sabah students – if the situation in the Middle East worsens.
State Science, Technology and Innovation Education Minister cum State Education Exco Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said they have experience coordinating, monitoring and repatriating students from the time of the political crisis in Egypt.
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The Sabah Government is in contact with Wisma Putra and the Ministry from time to time. Dr Mohd Arifin who is also Sabah Exco of Islamic Affairs, said 248 Sabahans are studying in Egypt, 79 in Jordan and nine in Saudi Arabia in several universities in various majors under scholarships, bursaries and some also study at their own expenses.
“Following the latest crisis in the Middle East, I am asking parents and families whose children are studying there, to remain calm.
“Just a little while ago I was in contact with the Deputy Foreign Minister cum Kimanis MP Datuk Mohamad bin Alamin who assured that Wisma Putra and Ministry of Education are fully prepared and will act accordingly including bringing back the students if the need arises.
“The government through Wisma Putra and the Ministry monitors the condition of Malaysian students, especially in Jordan and Egypt,” he said in his Facebook post.
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In addition, Dr Mohd Arifin said Yayasan Sabah Director Datuk Seri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar and him are always in contact with the Sabah’s representative (Senior Student Manager of Yayasan Sabah/Sabah Education Attaché in the Middle East) Ustaz Sabli Aliju who looks after the Sabah students in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to find out the wellbeing and current situation in those three countries.
“Let us pray that the tense crisis will return to calm so that our children are safe, calm and comfortable going through their studies.
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“In addition to praying for the safety of our (Sabah students) children abroad, let’s continue to pray for the safety and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in Palestine who are struggling and undergoing trials,” he said.
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