THE COMMITMENT: Chen (right) signs her oath as the in-coming chairwoman of Wong Nai Siong School Old Students’ Association. Looking on is Chieng.
SIBU: Deputy chairman of Wong Nai Siong School’s management board Chieng Buong Toon is against the closure of Chinese schools in Malaysia, describing those demanding it as extremists.
Speaking at the installation of the school’s old students association in a hotel on Saturday, Chieng said he was sad that Chinese schools had been politicised recently by those making the demand in the name of protecting national unity.
“We are saddened; I feel the people should look to the moderate policy of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, who has adopted an open policy to accommodate the needs of all Malaysians.”
He hoped the spirit of 1Malaysia would not just be a slogan but its aspiration be fulfilled by the people and the government.
Chieng said Chinese only made up 23 per cent of the country’s population, and being the minority, the community must be protected and looked after by the government.
He said the community only wanted fair treatment from the government, and they were not asking for privileges.
Meanwhile, he attributed the development of Wong Nai Siong School to the efforts of their forefathers.
“It is like our forefathers having planted a big tree, and today, we must look after this tree,” he said, advising the new generation to maintain its high standard and elevate it to be one of the best in the country.
On the future of Chinese schools, Chieng said it looked bright because China had opened its door to the world. He said mastering of Chinese language was important, and was grateful the BN government had recognised various universities in China and Taiwan.
“So, graduates returning from studies in China and Taiwan can now work with the government if their requirements meet those of the government’s.”
Meanwhile, association chairwoman Chen lan Mui vowed that they would help the school recruit students.
She said they had also helped the school’s students academically by sponsoring four students to attend an English public speaking course.
“We shall do more for the school and the students.”
In his speech read by his assistant Lu Yew Hiiung, school principal Timothy Ngu thanked the school board and its chairman Vincent Lau, the old students’ association, parents, students and public members for the development of Wong Nai Siong School.