SIBU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak opened a new building of a Chinese school here yesterday, and said Chinese education would continue to be an integral part of the national education system.
He said the government had increased allocations for Chinese schools, especially over the last three years, and had given more than ever.
“In the 2012 budget, for example, a sum of RM100 million was allocated to Chinese schools nationwide,” he said when opening a new building of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Thai Kwang built at a cost of RM12.5 million, here.
Najib said that as far as the community was concerned, it was very proud of its culture which dates back more than 5,000 years.
“The Chinese language is an important part of the culture, besides the values associated with the culture. Values like filial piety and the notion of always wanting to give back to society and many others are taught in Chinese schools,” he said.
Najib also stressed that similar amounts in allocation were also given to Tamil, national and religious schools in the country.
He said it was the government’s policy to be fair and inclusive to all Malaysians, irrespective of race or religion.
“Under the 1Malaysia concept, we want all Malaysians to feel that under the Malaysian sun, he or she will have a fair and equitable deal from the government,” he said.
The government, he reiterated, would continue to regard education as its top priority to develop the very important human resource for the nation.
“We are able to not only say it but are able to match it with action, deeds and policies. No other sector has received more allocation than the education sector since independence,” he said.
Najib said one of the most unique features of the country’s education system was “the willingness of the government to develop it based on the wishes and aspirations of the people.
“We decided to leave it to them to choose what type of education system they want. No other country in Southeast Asia has developed or adopted this kind of policy,” he said.
Najib also commended Lanang Member of Parliament Datuk Tiong Thai King, who is chairman of the school management board, for his big role in the redevelopment programme of the school established in 1932.
Tiong had not only provided leadership but had himself donated substantially to the school’s fund, he said.
“The people should remember such a deed from a Barisan Nasional representative come the general election,” he added. — Bernama