MCA to meet experts on new Chinese schools

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong disclosed that the appeals for more Chinese primary schools, for which 10 new ones were approved, were made not only by Chinese but also non-Chinese.

“Some of the new schools were requested by resident associations. There are also nonChinese who wrote to MCA with appeals for Chinese primary schools to be built,” Wee, who is a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, was quoted as saying in a report in Sin Chew Daily yesterday.

In an interview with the Chinese press on Monday, Wee said MCA will meet a team of professionals today to discuss the setting up of new Chinese schools, including the construction of school blocks, access roads and the provision of utilities.

He pointed out that apart from engaging surveyors and architects, and setting up school building committees, another important issue is whether tens of millions of ringgit will be needed to build the necessary infrastructure for the new schools.

Wee also confirmed reports that the land for the proposed new schools was provided by housing developers.

Under the law, developers are required to set aside land in their projects for schools, be it national or vernacular schools, he said.

Wee said some developers offer additional plots over and above the allocation mandated by law, as they feel they want to help build schools.

On matters related to the relocation of under-enrolled Chinese primary schools to areas in dire need of them, he said the move involved collective decisions.

MCA will make sure that government resources be used in realising the new Chinese schools, he said, adding that the party will help in the overall planning.

Of course, developers are welcome to make contributions, he said.