Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama encouraged Fijian students studying under different programmes in Malaysia to aim for high marks.
This was while visiting students during his recent tour of Indonesia.
The Prime Minister accompanied by protocol officers and police security officers were escorted by Police Motorcade through Kuala Lumper city on the way to the residence of the Fiji High Commissioner where Mr Suliasi Lutubula and permanent secretary Savenaca Kaunisela received and ushered Commodore Bainimarama into the residence lounge where about 50 students and Fijian Nationals met the Prime Minister.
Commodore Bainimarama was received by students, beginning with a church service then followed by traditional Fijian welcome ceremony of sevusevu.
In his response Commodore Bainimarama thanked students, the mission and the Fijian community for the warm reception, which is a positive symbol of the unity and support among Fiji Nationals in Kuala Lumpur towards Government’s initiative such as the Ministry of ITaukei Affairs scholarship awarded to the first batch of 25 students studying in six Malaysian Universities, two public and four private.
Prime Minister Bainimarama expressed appreciation on the positive progress of students in all aspects of life including outstanding behavior and character and academic performances as he has learned from Mr Kaunisela, who had discussions with the universities management and students during his one week (April 4 to 8) visit before the arrival of Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Bainimarama reiterated on the outcome of his visit to the same group of students in 2009 in respect of increased allowances which came into force in the last quarter of 2009 and restoration of salary for students who were on study leave without pay.
Students who were still not being paid salary were told the matter would be discussed with their respective employers to ensure salaries were restored accordingly to those concerned. In return students expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Prime Minister for the privilege of meeting him face to face and an opportunity to freely raise issues pertaining to government scholarship policy and other related issues.
Students were reminded of their mission is to study, graduate with flying colors and return to Fiji where young, energetic and qualified professionals are needed to assist our Government in its effort to build a better place to live.
The Prime Minister also shared his concern for the general welfare of students and that of their respective family in Fiji. He encouraged the gathering that the key pre-requisite to managing individual welfare issues is perseverance and the motivation to succeed apart from monetary incentives.
Access to Higher Education for the 25 Fijian students in Malaysia University was made possible through agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, which was officially endorsed in 2007 through the initiative of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Scholarship department in collaboration with Fiji High Commission Malaysia.
It is envisaged that 70 per cent of the students will be completing the Bachelor’s Degree Study Programme in Civil Engineering by March 2012 .
He also met Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Malaysia Honorable Kohilan Pillay , Under Secretary for CMLV Division of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.