COMMENT | Govt must protect educational rights of stateless kids

COMMENT | In response to a Facebook posting that surfaced on Dec 20, 2023, objecting to the establishment of Iskul Sama DiLaut Omadal in Pulau Omadal, the CSO Platform for Reform (Sabah Chapter) and Iskul Sama DiLaut Omadal are calling on the government to stay true to its commitments to the sustainable development goals that every child in Malaysia should never be left behind and have a right to education.

Action must be taken to protect and support alternative and safe education space for all children; especially for stateless, marginalised children when government facilities are not yet to be accessible for all children.

This joint statement aims to clear misconceptions that are dangerous and harmful to the organisation and the local community. Iskul, contrary to some claims, is not established without permission; it has garnered support from the authorities and obtained permission to operate from the then JKKK of Omadal, Haji Jimlan and the then District Officer of Semporna, Dr Chaco Hj Bulah.