SHAH ALAM, Sept 4 — The school assistance channelled by the state government to students must be viewed from the perspective of education and should not be exploited as a tool to divide and create mistrust among races.
The Menteri Besar's Office stressed that it has provided assistance amounting to RM244.124 million to various types of schools so that Selangor's children may study in a comfortable and conducive environment for the future of the state as well as the nation.
The aid was distributed to Sekolah Agama Rakyat, Chinese vernacular schools (SJK(C)), Tamil vernacular schools (SJK(T)), mission schools, Chinese independent secondary schools, national primary schools (SK), and national secondary schools (SMK).
“The claims involving a courtesy call by the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) on Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari have been distorted by parties intent on disturbing racial harmony in Selangor.
“On several social media platforms, the courtesy call has been portrayed as though the state government had mortgaged land for the construction of Chinese schools and made a new decision to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) used in Chinese schools.
“The granting of land for school construction is not a new matter and is not limited solely to Chinese schools. In fact, the decision had already been announced on July 7, 2023, following an application from Pin Hwa Independent High School in Klang, as the school was overcrowded and could no longer accommodate more students,” it said in a statement today.
The Office added that the state government had also approved the granting of land to the Al-Amin Education Centre in Gombak on the same grounds, namely the increase in student numbers and the need for additional space to accommodate more pupils.
“The Menteri Besar also approved assistance of RM300,000 to SJK(T) Midlands to construct a student hostel building,” it said.
In response to allegations that the state government recognises the UEC, the Office clarified that the decision on the matter had already been approved by the Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN) on October 21, 2015.
“There are attempts to sow suspicion among the races by creating the perception that the state government has only just begun providing allocations to Chinese independent secondary schools.
“However, allocations to schools in Selangor have in fact been ongoing since 2009. At that time, PAS was also part of the state government with four representatives in the MMKN until 2018,” it explained.
Yesterday, a Facebook user alleged that the state government had granted land to build the Pin Hwa Independent High School in Klang, and that holders of the UEC qualification could apply for employment in Selangor’s government-linked companies (GLCs).
The user also alleged that this decision came after a historic visit by Dong Zong, led by its chairman Tan Yew Sing, to meet with Amirudin.
According to the statement, both parties held a one-hour dialogue session at the official residence of the Chief Minister, facilitated by state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han.
It succeeded in reaching consensus on various issues concerning Chinese education, reflecting the Selangor government’s open and pragmatic style of governance.
