Penang DAP reps didn’t ask for schools, says Chong

KUALA LUMPUR: None of the Penang DAP MPs have requested for Chinese primary schools for their constituencies in Parliament, said Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

Chong said he has checked the records and handouts, and confirmed that the DAP MPs have not raised the need for new Chinese schools during debate or question time since August 2015.

“There is no such thing as us not taking care of the welfare of Penang people.

“Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng only started to harp on the issue after the Education Ministry announced the approval for 10 new SJK(C) and the relocation of six micro schools last week,” said Chong.

Chong was speaking to journalists at Wisma MCA to rebut Lim’s comments on the relocation of SJK(C) Poay Chai from Singkir, Kedah to Johor, instead of Penang.

Chong added DAP’s accusations were political gimmicks.

He added that there were 25 micro SJK(C) in Penang with 150 students or fewer.

“If these schools have the intention to relocate elsewhere with a higher Chinese population, we would support them too,” Chong said.

On Penang not getting any new Chinese schools, Chong said it was not true to say that the Government was “bullying” Penang.

“Selangor is also under the administration of Pakatan Harapan, and yet it is getting five new Chinese schools, with two schools to be relocated” he said.