A view of the new school block of CHPS No 1. — Photos by Kong Jun Liung
Pupils stage a multi-cultural dance for guests.
KUCHING: The Board of Management for Kuching Chung Hua Primary Schools (CHPS) No. 1 to 6 looks forward to the state government chipping in for a new CHPS No. 2 school block estimated to cost RM6 million.
Its secretary Ku Fut Po said the board was now finalising the planning of the new block, the ground-breaking of which was done by the prime minister during the parliamentary election in 2013.
“We are now looking forward to government assistance in this project, and we sincerely hope that our chief minister can assist,” he said before Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem declared open a new building for CHPS No 1 yesterday.
In a response later, Adenan pledged RM500,000 to the board, saying: “But remember when I need your help.”
On the new school block for CHPS No 1, Ku, who is also organising chairman, said its construction started in 2012 and the project was completed in 2014.
Costing RM5.3 million, the federal government contributed RM1.9 million and the balance came from public donations, he said.
“Besides, we have also carried out an extension project at CHPS No 4 at an estimated cost of RM6 million. This project will be completed in the next few months.”
He reminded those present that Adenan had made more than 45 administrative decisions including reduction of electricity tariffs, abolition of tolls, recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and grants for Chinese independent schools.
He said the chief minister would move into the second stage of seeking a review of the Federal Constitution and all legislation on Sarawak’s rights and powers and the third stage on the revision of oil and gas royalty and taxation.
“The chief minister cannot do it alone, he needs the support of all Sarawakians.”
As such, Ku said Adenan should be given a clear mandate to strengthen future negotiations with Putrajaya over greater autonomy for the state.
“The chief minister has done it, so it is our turn to show him the fullest support and give him a clear mandate to do so.”
Meanwhile, chairman of the board Wong Tiong Hook said 28 per cent of CHPS No 1’s pupils are non-Chinese.
He appealed to Adenan to give financial support to all the schools under the board for the benefit of future generations.
“We are proud to have Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem as our chief minister who is truly 100 per cent dedicated to work for all Sarawakians.
“So, we will give our 100 per cent support to Tan Sri Adenan. Satu Adenan menyatu Sarawak (One Adenan unites Sarawak).”
Adenan also handed out certificates of appreciation to donors who made the new block a reality.
The pupils staged a welcoming dance and multi-cultural dance for all the guests.