'Many resources available online on Delima platform for parents, students'

PARLIAMENT | The Education Ministry has been using the Delima platform with thousands of available resources to continue its digital education agenda following the termination of the 1BestariNet contract in June 2019.

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said that since its implementation, Delima has been proven effective in advancing the nation’s digital education agenda.

“When the 1BestariNet contract was terminated, we replaced it with the (Delima) platform, developed in-house by the ministry.

“To date, we have provided 789 basic digital textbooks, 12,762 educational videos, and 170 educational podcasts accessible for free by teachers and students.

“This reflects the ministry’s commitment and effort in building digital education,” he said in response to a supplementary question during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He expressed confidence the Delima platform has provided substantial benefits to both students and teachers.

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Harapan-Ledang) raised the supplementary question, asking what the ministry has done to ensure digital education is not disrupted after the end of 1BestariNet.

Unresolved issues

In a separate response to Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) regarding the current status of 1BestariNet and any legal actions taken, Wong explained that although the phase two contract for 1BestariNet ended on June 30, 2019, some issues remain unresolved.

“However, after the agreement ended, an unresolved issue arose concerning site rental rates and electricity charges for the 1BestariNet Receiver Integrated System (1BRIS) towers, which involve 2,748 towers.

“In 2019, the ministry planned to negotiate with the company over the site rental rates and electricity charges for the 1BestariNet towers, but these negotiations were delayed when YTLC filed for judicial review against the government.

“Negotiations resumed after the company withdrew its application on Oct 5, 2021, as required by the ministry,” he said.

Wong added the cabinet is finalising a memorandum on resolution of issues related to the site rental rates and electricity charge for the 1BRIS communication towers.

‘Ask MOF’

Last month, MACC chief Azam Baki had committed to closely monitoring the ongoing 1BestariNet probe, launched on Sept 4 based on multiple issues identified through audit findings since 2015.

On Oct 30, YTL Power International Berhad clarified that it was awarded the 1BestariNet project through an open tender process, brushing off accusations of misconduct.

Earlier, Suhaimi in his supplementary question expressed regret that YTL Corporation Bhd (YTL) has continued to be awarded government contracts despite issues faced in carrying out the 1BestariNet project.

Among others, Suhaimi cited a “waste-to-energy project” worth RM4.5 billion and a “multi-lane free flow” project awarded after the termination of the 1BestariNet contract.

“I was informed the total (project) amount is around RM6 billion [...] it’s like business as usual,” he said.

In response, Wong said the question on other projects granted to YTL should be referred to the respective ministries including the Finance Ministry.

“The question includes why the projects were still granted,” he added.

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