Soon Koh to prod state government to help Chinese schools

0

Wong (centre) presents the trophy to the winner of the dancing category.

MIRI: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said he would soon propose to the state government to provide long term financial aid to Chinese schools.

He said he was confident Chief Minister Datuk Amar Adenan Satem would give the proposal serious consideration.

“Even though the country’s education system comes under the jurisdiction of the federal government, it should be the state government’s concern to take care of the welfare of schools and the students,” he said at the state-level Sarawak Chinese Primary Aided School Scholar and Arts Performing Competition 2014 here on Friday.

“I can say it isn’t impossible as the promise made by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to allocate of 2,000 hectares of land for Chinese schools, when he was chief minister, eventually came true.”

Wong opined that vernacular education would not pose any threat to the country’s peace and unity.

“Instead, through multicultural education we can promote respect, unity and patriotism amongst the Chinese community, particularly the younger generation.”

Mayor Lawrence Lai, United Association of Chinese Primary Aided School Boards of Management Miri and Limbang Division board director Kong San Hoe, Miri Division Chinese School Teacher’s Association chairman Lai Cheo Tian were among those present.

The competition was divided into five categories: essay writing, calligraphy, public speaking, singing and dancing.

It was organised by United Association of Chinese Primary Aided School Boards of Management Miri and Limbang Division and Miri Division Chinese School Teacher’s Association in collaboration with Sarawak United Association of Chinese Primary Aided School Boards of Management.

Donations totalling RM50, 000 were raised to finance the event, which is scheduled to be held in Kuching next year.