KUCHING: The Sarawak United Association of Private School Management Board (Sarawak Dong Zong) wants the federal government to continue allocating fixed annual funds to the 60 Chinese independent secondary schools nationwide.
Its chairman Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming said during the previous government through the Ministry of Finance (MoF), they have continued to provide grant to the Chinese independent secondary school.
“But during the recent 2021 Budget, there was no mention about the grant to the Chinese independent secondary school,” he said in a press conference after submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
He therefore hoped that Abang Johari would assist in addressing the issue with the federal government, so that the funding can be continued to be given to the schools.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Dong Zong honorary treasurer Datuk Richard Wee Liang Chiat thanked the chief minister for the annual grant that has been given to the Chinese independent school in Sarawak.
“This year the state has given us RM9 million. We want to thank the state government for their support.
“We have also appealed to the chief minister to consider increasing the allocation,” he said.
Earlier, the board had also raised several issues faced by the Chinese school to Abang Johari and they hope the issues can be addressed accordingly or further brought to the attention of the federal government and relevant department.
On this matter, Wee said the chief minister would instruct Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian being the minister in-charge of the Chinese school education to facilitate the matter and conduct follow-up on the request with the federal Ministry of Education.
“We are delighted that Abang Johari has shown his understanding and support for our request,” he said.
Meanwhile, the board also extended their appreciation to the Sarawak government for allocating a 15.29 hectare piece of land within Samarahan division to the Chinese independent secondary school.
