University grads with redundant degrees

KUBANG PASU: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and other local public universities have been asked to consider stopping their first degree programme on the teaching of primary education.Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said this was because the programme was redundant since it was already offered by the various teachers' training institutes.

"I have received complaints from 20 UPSI graduates who are still unemployed because they cannot find a place in any primary school.

"Under the present practice, those from teachers' training institutes are absorbed by primary schools and as such, UPSI graduates and others in the same field will face a tough time finding an opening," he said after visiting several schools here yesterday.

Puad said he would discuss the plight of the 20 graduates with various authorities soon.

He said foreigners employed in the country could send their children to local primary and secondary schools provided they had work permits.

He added that they must also have a household income of at least RM3,500 since they would be required to pay the annual school fees of RM120 and RM240 for primary and secondary schools respectively.

"I have received many inquiries on this.

Malaysians with foreign spouses can also send their children to local schools provided they get verification on their marriages from the village chiefs.

He said those with refugee status would not be allowed to enrol their children in local schools.