AN opposition member yesterday told the august House that the Chinese community expects the Barisan Nasional government to fulfil four tasks, namely, clean and transparent governance, automatic renewal of land lease, systematic and annual allocation for Chinese schools, and fair economic opportunities.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa), in urging the state government to grant annual funds to Chinese primary schools, Chinese independent schools and Mission schools, the Bandar Kuching MP said Penang government had started allocating grants for Chinese schools there.
“The annual revenue collected by Sarawak government is six times that of the Penang government. I hereby urge the Sarawak government to allocate RM3 million for Chinese independent schools, and RM10 million each for Chinese primary school and Mission school every year,” he said in debating the speech of the Head of State’s opening address yesterday.
Chong said the Chinese wanted to see open tender system be implemented and practised before a development project was awarded by the government.
“Do not give projects to cronies but through open tender. This is what the Chinese community wants, simple and achievable,” he said. During his speech, Chong was interrupted at least thrice by other members of the august House who wanted to seek clarification.
The DAP leader turned down all requests by saying: “No, I’m not taking any, sorry.”