A FACEBOOK post by Adrea Abdullah has stirred the proverbial hornet’s nest with a post decrying certain public schools’ decision to hold graduation ceremonies at five-star hotels.
Calling the move unnecessary, the 47 year-old actress lamented that such moves by the school administrators displayed a lack of empathy with parents from lower-income groups.
With barely disguised contempt, Adrea branded such graduation ceremonies emotional blackmail, citing how parents are pressured to keep up appearances by forking out RM150 for each parent’s ticket and a further RM200 for the graduating child.
@adreaabdul Tak masuk akal! Seriously tidak adil! Korang setuju atau tidak untuk sekolah rendah & menengah adakan graduation lunch or dinner di hotel 4,5 star dan kenekan bayaran 150-200 setiap pelajar! Gile lah! #kementerianpendidikanmalaysia #trending #tren #celotehadrea #karut #takmasukakal #tidakadil ♬ original sound – Adrea Abdul
Such ticket prices were creating further schisms between the haves and have-nots, she argued.
In her seven-minute video that has gone viral, she urged the Education Ministry to put a stop to this nonsensical practice that seems designed purely as an exercise in showing off.
The mother of one believes there are more cost-effective ways to celebrate students’ graduation ceremonies without resorting to such lavish venues.
Given that her video has amassed over 4 million views on various social media platforms, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has vowed to look into the matter. Surely she cannot be as tone deaf as the school administrators who organise such shindigs given the public outcry, especially on social media.
Here is a small sample of what ordinary Malaysians had to say on the subject.
Many netizens expressed gratitude to the concerned parent for highlighting this issue on social media.
Others also shared similar tales of being ‘named and shamed’ on WhatsApp chat groups by teachers who pressurise parents into conforming.
Many blamed the teachers and school administrators for being a thoughtless bunch who are out of touch with reality.
Others noted that it was imperative for the Parent Teacher Associations (PIBGs) to be more proactive and that the committees be filled by individuals who are representative of the school demographics.
Some noted that despite ministry warnings, many schools seem determined to carry on with this 5-star hotel shenanigans.
The poster has even been criticised for tarnishing the reputation of educators by highlighting this issue. She has hit back saying the majority of netizens agree with her observations.
Given the amount of traction this issue has generated, it would indeed be surprising if public schools continue insisting on such lavish graduation ceremonies.
But then again, this is Malaysia where water face matters…
What do you think? Share your thoughts with us at https://www.facebook.com/focusmalaysia.my. – Feb 12, 2024
