New Chinese schools still on MCA’s agenda, says Chong

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon insists that the issue of the construction of new Chinese primary schools is still on the party’s agenda.

“Discussion on the matter is still on-going. We have drafted our plan and we will announce it when it comes to fruition,” he said at Wisma MCA yesterday.

He was commenting on Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who told Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching in a written parliamentary reply that the ministry has no plans to build more Chinese primary schools, Tamil primary schools and conforming secondary schools (SMJK) in the next two years as emphasis will be placed on national schools.

Chong, who is Deputy Education Minister, said he was still in discussions with MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong on Chinese schools.

“We have also held discussions with the board of governors of Chinese schools who want to transfer pupils of some schools to other schools with a higher enrolment.

“Surveys are also being conducted to find out where new Chinese schools are needed. We will compile all the information needed and discuss the matter of building new Chinese schools with the Education Minister and the Prime Minister.”

Chong said between 2015 and 2017, four new Chinese primary schools began operations.

Ten Chinese schools also moved to new locations during the same period and have started their classes.

He said Education Ministry procedures needed to be followed when it came to building new Chinese primary schools.

“Over the years, the MCA has also assisted Chinese primary schools with low enrolment to move to other locations where there is a higher demand for places.”