Chong: Chinese schools should have repairs completed soon
BENTONG: Chinese vernacular schools that have received funds should have the repairs and refurbishments completed soon, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
He also urged these schools to submit their reports to the Education Ministry as soon as the repairs were completed.
“Our Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has expressed his hope that the application for this year’s funding can be opened in June,” he said during a cheque presentation ceremony at SJK(C) Khai Mun here yesterday.
The funds distributed by Chong are part of the RM50mil set aside for Chinese schools in 2016. Twentythree schools in Pahang have received special allocation worth RM2.13mil meant for repairs.
Since 2011, RM13.97mil in special allocation has been given to governmentassisted Chinese vernacular schools in the state.
Chong said 80% of the RM50mil allocation had been distributed, with the remaining to be disbursed soon to schools in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Earlier in his speech, he said schools should be a safe and happy place for pupils, adding that this was the ministry’s ultimate mission.
“We want our children to go to school happy. We need a safe and happy environment that is conducive for learning,” he said.
Pointing out recent cases in which pupils were caned, he said there was a parent who even “sought vengeance” at school by assaulting a teacher.
“We need to solve such problems holistically. If teachers are behaving in a manner not befitting their position, report it to our principals and even our district education office. Please do not take law into our own hands.
“Our teachers’ main objective is to help our children learn. If they have done something wrong, please communicate with them to solve them. Let our schools be a safe and happy place,” he said.
There was also a need, added Chong, to ensure school facilities were in working condition.