Locals weigh in on feud between MCA, DAP on grant to MCA colleges
MIRI: The argument between MCA and DAP on federal grant that has affected Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) and UTAR keeps going on and most recently, media reported that students have called on MCA to let go of the ownership of the universities.
However, Sarawakians have a different opinion on the feud that has not only affected the management of the two institutions of higher learning but also the future of their students.
Social activist Chia Kah Furng opined that education should not become a political play tool to win support.
“Education is to educate people, not for political purpose. It is undeniable that UTAR and TAR UC were started by a political party but the main intention was providing education opportunity to Malaysians, particularly the Chinese.
“The government should instead play their role by looking into the future development of Malaysia and ways they could help the future generations,” Chia said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
He noted that there was a decrease in allocations for the two colleges in the federal Budget 2019 but said the colleges should come up with their own way to sort things out.
“To be more precise, it is undeniable that education requires a lot of money for the facilities and teaching materials. The government should look at the right direction and look at ways to nurture more educated Malaysians who potentially would become the future leaders of the country, simply by helping with financial support is giving them the chance to become one,” asserted Chia.
Meanwhile, entrepreneur and active volunteer Leslie Lau opined that the government and the management board should prioritise the interest and welfare of the students.
“Whether it is the MCA or the government holding the ownership over the institutions, there will eventually be a political entity that awaits to hold power over these institutions.
“They should not focus on the political interest over the ownership, but to show appreciation over the hard work by MCA and those who had been involved in setting up the schools.
“The government should let MCA continue to be on board with condition that any decision made in the future should be justified and without political agenda.
“Universities should be open to all, irrespective of race and political interest because all Malaysians deserve the right to education,” said Lau.
On students’ involvement in politics and sharing their two cents on the issues surrounding them, Lau opined that students should be given the freedom to think critically and against the wave.
“Students nowadays lack problem solving skills and the ability to understand issues due to restriction policies made by former ministers.
“They are young adults who have the ability to think on their own, and given the opportunity, they could contribute ideas.”