Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Michael Manyin said the decision, which came from the federal cabinet allowed GPS leaders to enter schools but not give speeches.

“We (GPS leaders) are allowed to enter schools but we are not allowed to give speeches. However, we are most welcome to contribute to the schools (in terms of funds).

“We are waiting for a written circular but at the same time, the state education department has made an appeal to the education ministry. We hope they (Putrajaya) will withdraw it,” he said at the state assembly here today.

Meanwhile, Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang of the DAP claimed this was not a new issue and that it had been happening even before the new government was formed.

She said she had not been allowed to visit schools and contribute books to the school library before the last general election. This was after Sarawak assemblymen, including opposition members, had been asked to assist in addressing the decline in the standard of English among primary and secondary school students in the state.

“My requests were rejected over and over again despite me going to the schools and assuring them that there was nothing political and that I only wanted to help them,” she said.

However, Manyin said during the time of the previous government, the education department had not informed him or his ministry not to visit schools to give speeches.

He said the new government could not pursue a “tit for tat” policy because school students would be the ultimate victims.

“If there is a need, I will have to meet the education minister in Putrajaya on behalf of the state government to discuss about this matter,” he said.