Syed Saddiq: Reopening universities on short notice will burden students

Putrajaya’s decision to reopen tertiary education institutions on short notice despite previous announcements will make it difficult for students and universities, said former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

“This decision (to reopen tertiary education institutions) contradicts the Higher Education Ministry’s statement on May 27, which said all classes in public universities will be held online until Dec 31.

“I have received many complaints from students and their families that this decision will make things difficult for them,” Syed Saddiq (above) said in a statement on Facebook today.

The Muar MP said students have not only emptied out their dormitories, there are those who have also ended their house rental contracts and some who have purchased expensive tickets to go home, such as those from Sabah or Sarawak.

“Financial burdens are very tough amidst these times.

“This announcement to return to universities was done less than a month from the decision for students to empty out their dormitories.

“Now students have to find new rental accommodations as soon as possible,” he added.

While Syed Saddiq agreed that universities should be reopened, he believed that such a rushed decision would burden the parties involved.

Such decisions should take into consideration all stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and the university administration, he added.

As such, he hoped that the Higher Education Ministry can clarify this matter to relieve the worries of everyone affected.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said yesterday that tertiary education institutions will be reopened soon and that the higher education minister will announce the dates shortly.

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