BUKIT MERTAJAM, Jan 11 — The Federal government has approved an allocation of over RM20 million for 63 Chinese independent schools nationwide this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Of this sum, RM19.84 million will go to 62 Chinese independent schools across the country, while RM1 million is earmarked for the Jit Sin Independent High School here.
He said the allocation reflects the government’s appreciation for the contributions of Chinese independent schools in Malaysia.
“We appreciate their commitment to adapting their curriculum while respecting the national language and elevating the dignity of the people as a whole,” he said in his speech during a visit to Jit Sin today.
Last year, the government, represented by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, announced a RM18.9 million allocation for 63 Chinese independent schools, with each school receiving RM300,000.
During his visit, the Prime Minister fondly recalled his time as a substitute Malay language teacher at the school before continuing his studies at Universiti Malaya.
At the time, the Chinese language was viewed primarily as a language for the Chinese community, but it has since become an important economic language, especially with China’s rise as an economic superpower.
Anwar said that if Malaysians become proficient in Chinese, it would yield significant benefits for the country.
“I taught here for a year, and during that time, no one tried to discourage me from pursuing my interest in mastering the Malay language and culture, nor did anyone seek to change my religion.
“Although I may not fully agree with Western culture, we must embrace linguistic diversity, particularly languages that are crucial for international engagement, such as English,” he said.
While the government is upholding the Malay language as the national language, it also strongly emphasises mastering Chinese and English, which are regarded as key global economic languages.
Anwar added that this is crucial for positioning Malaysia as a leading economic hub.
Also present at the event were Loke, Education Minister Fadlina Sidek, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Human Resource Minister Steven Sim, and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
— Bernama
