I’M disgusted with all the whining parents, especially those featured in the newspapers and a private television station, complaining endlessly about being burdened by additional school fees.

My eldest daughter just entered Year One at a primary school in Hulu Kelang.

I’m so happy she was admitted to this school which is considered the best school in the Gombak district based on it consistently producing the highest number of 5A pupils in the UPSR examination.

I, too, had to pay the additional school fees. In fact, my daughter’s school opted for Package A of RM38.50.

Prior to that, I had paid RM34 for the confirmation-of-registration last August.

Including the contribution to the parent-teacher association fund, I ended up paying RM136.

So, what’s the big deal here? I’m not complaining. I paid without asking any questions. And so did the other parents.

In fact, not a single parent made noise about the additional fees at the briefing conducted by the school during the Year One orientation prior to the beginning of school session. And, mind you, not all parents at that school are well off.

I think the Education Ministry should no longer tolerate all this nonsense.

Those ungrateful parents out there don’t realise the billions of ringgit spent by the government to ensure our children receive a first-class education.

Imagine how much more they have to fork out if the government didn’t give out free textbooks to all, regardless of financial background. They only know how to complain.

To those whining parents out there, if you’ve paid up, then shut up.

It means you can afford it, just like you can afford your cigarettes for a quicker route to death, your monthly subscription of satellite television so that you can watch endless football games, your daily RM10 capuccino or mocha, your weekly top to toe spa sessions, or your monthly gym membership fee in your feeble attempt to lose weight.

I mean, surely RM136, or slightly more, for your children’s education is a big deal and requires thorough auditing, right?

I’m targeting my remarks at those parents featured by the private television station last Thursday on the first day of school in Kuala Lumpur.

The TV station decided to champion the cause of those enrolling their children in an elite suburban area near to their broadcast station.

One look at the father being interviewed and I knew the guy was affluent and just being arrogant. Obviously, he could well afford the additional school fees. Shame on him.

Be thankful that we still have public education.

If you were forced to enrol your child in a private school, I guarantee your smoking days and your beauty spa sessions would be long gone.

Source: NST – January 8, 2008