“The opposition are not allowed into schools,” he said while wrapping up his ministerial speech at the Dewan Rakyat.

He referred to a circular stating that the opposition would need permission from the ministry.

“They would need to get permission through the ministry’s state education directors (first),” he said.

Noh Omar (BN-Tanjong Karang) then asked if the directive was meant for all MPs or just for those from the opposition.

“It is for all opposition MPs,” Maszlee replied, adding that he would issue a written reply on the matter.

Under the previous government, opposition representatives were not allowed to visit schools.

Preventing hateful remarks against government

Speaking at the Parliament lobby later, Maszlee said decision requiring opposition MPs to get approval before visiting schools was to prevent them from spreading hateful remarks against the government.

“We need the opposition to make an application first (before visiting schools) so we can stipulate the conditions. We don’t want people to spread lies and hatred in schools,” he said.

When asked about the same issue being raised when Pakatan Harapan was still the opposition, Maszlee said being barred from schools is different from having to apply for permission.

He said the education ministry was acting professionally by giving opposition MPs a chance to apply.