I wish to congratulate the Democratic Action Party for organising this conference particularly with the selection of the theme "IT for All". It is definitely an indicator that DAP has recognised the importance of national development and the concern taht good programmes must be for all - the rich and the poor.

Before we look at the question "IT for All", let us examine our conditions of schools today. Although we've achieved independence 40 years ago we are unable to provide every child with basic needs. I'm talking of furniture - desk and chairs. We have seperate policies for 'Sekolah Bantuan Penuh' and 'Sekolah Bantuan Modal'. At this stage we will also look at schools which do not have electricity facilities - around 1,500 schools.

The development in the field of computer and IT is definitely a proud step. It is a great leap for Malaysia. NUTP welcomes this development. We have to do it. We must do it. However, are we being fair? The question is what must we do? We must ensure that all schools be treated equally, funds must be allocated to provide electricity for all, schools where this is not possible the use of generators should be studied.

While on one hand, we ask for more funds, we must ensure that these funds are used prudently. It has been pointed out on several instances that funds allocated do not reach the schools. In most cases sub standard materials are supplied to schools.

In 1975, Perak schools entered into an agreement with a Japanese firm and Parent Teachers Union spent around 2 million on sub-standart computer materials. Computers were brought without realising that computers just do not work but they need programmes. NUTP reported the issue to the ACA then, however there was no follow-up.

We must ensure the IT Programme should be implemented well. We must ensure we Malaysians work hard to ensure that the development of IT does not create between the rural and urban schools.

Basically we must realise what type of children are we dealing with. Children who are exposed to all forms of development. Many of the children have better, faster computers than their teachers. Some of them can teach their teachers.

Our teacher training programme must be revamped. Many believe that our teacher training programme has failed to provide the teachers that we really need. Our teacher trainees are taught by lecturers who are poorly paid and a big percentage do not have computer background at all. Our basic needs are good teachers. In order for this to happen, teachers must be selected carefully and be paid well.

No one disputes the use of IT but we all belief that IT implementation should benefit all. In order to achieve this we must draw up a concrete programme to ensure that we do our best for the nation. Our future is our children, our students in colleges and universities.

Malaysians must be proud because the PM himself is in the cue in the implementation of the IT Programme in Malaysia. He has taken Malaysia to very high standards. However, one must realise computers are mere tools. They cannot function without programmes. Locals must be given the power and knowledge to draw up Programmes. Such programmes will benefit Malaysians of all walks of life.

Computers, IT, MSC are all big word to majority of our children. It must be admitted that rapid development in Malaysia has brought for sure the disparity between children in rural schools and urban schools. There are lot of rural children who cannot afford a computer or at least seen one. About 20% of our children cannot read or write well. At least 15% are hard-core. We must be able to tackle these basic problems immediately. Failure to do so, will definitely bring about serious repercussions.

MSC in the Klang Valley should be extended to benefir all Malaysians through decentralisation with all similar facilities available at Regional Centres establised throughout Malaysia.

Smart Schools

• Example quoted from such schools in America reveal emphasis on learning via the vast sofisticated electronic media available through self study and research with the teachers as a facilitator.
• Learning through textbooks with paper and pen will be a thing of the past. Students will be carrying 'lap-tops' instead of books.

Will our SAMRT SCHOOLS match up to this?

How far can we compete in this field?

• If found feasible and successful Smart School and such facilities should be made available to all in a gradual process with regional school established as soon as possible. No group should be left out from their right to enjoy all the 'good things' available in this country.

Their advancement should not be curbed by lack of facilities or restricted previleges.

Computer Literacy In Schools

• The first step before SMART SCHOOLS come into existence is to make all our students 'literates' as computer illiterates will soon be misfits in the fast developing economy based world of the 21st Century.
• Emphasis on computer education and latest technology in shcools should be the starting point and made compulsory.
• IT brings us back to infrastructure and personal inadequacies which exist today. Every school should be provided with sufficient computers and IT related facilities and adequate support services.
• Enough Software based on our school syllabuses should be made available. Lack of software on education and the teaching/learning process in schools base on the school syllabuses is the biggest setback today.
• Suitably qualified teachers and academicians need to undergo knowledge and technology 'skill base' training in authoring software so that there will be enough constantly increasing software.

Regional Supply For Schools

• R & D centres should be established for research and programming.

Paperless/Electronic Government

• This will reduce cost, time and red tape if successfully implemented.
• Public sector workers need to be prepared for the transformation
• All existing civil servants should be provided training to become familiar with what is expected of them
• All future recruits into the public sector should be 'computer literates' and possess at least the basic IT related qualification.
• Interest free computer loans should be made available to them and incentives to further themselves in this field should be provided.

Computer Systems in All Homes

• PC with internet and other related IT facilities should be made affordable essential items in every home like TVs and Radios
• Educating parents on this need and the need for them to be 'computer literates' themselves wherever possible is very important so as to enable them and their children to be active participants in the MSC project for Malaysians as a whole.

Conclusion

Nations that have embraces the electronic age are moving forward while the others are left behind. The slow is poor while the fast is becoming rich.

Dr. Mahathir realises this and has decided that Malaysia should keep abreast with the fast changing scenario so as not to be left out.

Dr. Mahathir, known as a man with VISIONS, is also a man of ACTION. VISION without ACTION is only a DREAM.

Dr. Mahathir is giving the whole project his personal attention to make it a success and as such it is our duty to support him fully for the realisation of a modern dynamic Malaysia.

This National Conference rightfully organised should be used to provide the necessary feedback to assist in the proper development of the MSC.