A Malaysian think-tank group, Ideas, wants schools in the country to be given the autonomy to choose the Internet provider which they prefer following problems with 1BestariNet.

 

In a statement today, Ideas said the latest Auditor General's Report revealed that 1BestariNet project which was developed by YTL Communications, had failed to deliver e-learning services to 10,000 schools by the end of 2013 as promised.

 

For a project with a price tag of approximately RM4 billion, it said this seems to be an inefficient and ineffective use of the Education Ministry resources.

 

“As the ministry has indicated that the project will continue, we urge it is important to correct the inefficiencies quickly as over RM1 billion has been spent on broadband internet contracts, VLE licensing fees management and maintenance costs,” Ideas said.

 

“Education is a basic right and thus, the transition to ICT learning must be taken seriously. The most affected participants of this project are students, especially those who are poor and from rural areas, whose academic progress might very well be marred by simple factors such as slow internet speeds.

 

“It is time to give schools room to make decisions which are in the best interest of their students and be trusted to make simple decisions such as which Internet provider they prefer,” Ideas added.

 

It was reported in the audit report that after RM663 million of taxpayers’ funds were spent to introduce high speed broadband networks in schools through 1BestariNet project, students have found themselves stuck with a sluggish Internet.

 

The report also states that the 1Bestari Net project, which also includes a virtual learning environment (VLE), that cost the bulk of the spending, is also rarely used by teachers and students.

 

1BestariNet was also criticised by the opposition's DAP Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, who claimed it was possibly widening the urban-rural gap, and not reducing it.

 

Skepticism over contract 

 

Ideas said 1BestariNet first attracted controversy when policy makers and media alike were skeptical with the manner the contract was awarded to YTL.

 

 “Many also expressed concern that YTL’s monopoly of ICT learning is set to dominate the education market for years, leaving schools with no choice but to comply with internet provisions by YTL.

 

“This limits the autonomy of schools to choose the internet service provider that best suits them in terms of pricing and coverage,” the think-tank group said.

 

The ministry, defended the under utilisation of VLE, in saying there is no mandatory directive for teachers to use the VLE.

 

However, Ideas believe it is only responsible for the ministry to look into this matter and perhaps, listen to teachers and principals who may have other preferences in terms of internet servicing or e-learning resources.

 

“The audit report stated that no school requirement studies were implemented before internet connectivity in schools was established. We urge the ministry to take the latest report findings seriously and ensure that maximum quality is delivered. After all, this project is funded by taxpayer’s money,” the statement added.

 

Education Ministry's response

Since the report was tabled, the ministry explained the slow broadband speed was due to congestion from the high volume of users, and it further advised school principals ensure prudent use of bandwidth.

 

On VLE, the ministry said the usage stood at five percent and it was working to increase it to 30 to 35 percent within a year.

 

The ministry said a total of 8,886 out of 9,889 schools were already equipped with broadband networks under the contract.

 

"Another 1,003 schools could not be equiped with 1BesteriNet bcause the company could not get approval from local authorities to construct telecommunications towers in a few states particularly in Sarawak, Penang and Kelantan.

 

However, it said that YTL Communications has provided interim Internet services and the govenrment had fined it RM2.4 million until Oct 27 for late delivery.

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