Hua Zong urged to look into rural, urban school imbalance
KUCHING: The Federation of Kuching, Samarahan & Serian Divisions Chinese Associations Sarawak ( Hua Zong) has been urged to look into problems faced by Chinese schools here in terms of student population.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said there was an imbalance in student population between urban and rural Chinese schools here.
“Chinese schools have played a very important role in educating not only Chinese children but also Bumiputera children. However, urban Chinese schools are now exploding in student population whereas the student population in rural Chinese schools has continued to dwindle, resulting in many of them (rural Chinese schools) hardly able to survive.
“Therefore, I want Hua Zong to look into how they can go about solving the ever-increasing urban Chinese school student population, and, at the same time, how to preserve rural Chinese schools that are suffering from a diminishing number of student population,” he said at Hua Zong’s Chinese New Year cum 37th Anniversary Celebration Gala Dinner here on Sunday.
Wong also suggested that the federation guide the younger generation to distinguish between right and wrong, particularly when reading news posted on the Internet.
“Though conventional newspapers, including Chinese newspapers, are still very popular here, the younger generation these days prefer going online to read news and so on. Then there are problems with regards to the professionalism of the mass media, whether or not what has been reported is authentic or fabricated.
“I hope Hua Zong will be able to take up this responsibility in instilling in the minds of our younger generation how to distinguish between what is right or wrong.”
He also urged the federation to broaden their horizon and look into working with other races in the state.
“The federation should broaden their outlook by getting rid of racial and cultural chauvinism so that they can bring about great social cohesion and solidarity. It is through this that enables us to create a happier community for all of us to live in, rather than to stay in our own cocoon.”
Hua Zong president Temenggong Lu Kim Yong said the dinner was organised by Hua Zong in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, the association’s 37th anniversary, and the launching of Hua Zong’s new permanent building at City Square in Sungai Apong here.
“Chinese New Year is a good time for all of us to get together. Hua Zong is a big family where we have members in all divisions of Sarawak, and we are very honoured to be able to host this very meaningful gathering.”
He also pointed out that the federation was determined to attain greater achievement.
During the event, Wong pledged a RM50,000 grant to Hua Zong for its annual activities. He also witnessed the presentation of the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wee Boon Pin Service Award that was presented to two recipients: Teo Eng Hai (for his contributions to Chinese Education) and Lim Goh Phek Siong (for his involvement in community services since 1968).
Also present were Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak president Datuk Wong Aik Loung and People’s Republic of China Consul General in Kuching Fu Jijun.