State govt praised for supporting Chinese independent secondary schools

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(From fourth left) Tay, Manyin, Dr Annuar, Thai King, Hii and others posing for photograph in front of the new multi-purpose education building of Catholic High School.

SIBU: The wisdom of the state government to support Chinese independent secondary schools has enabled these schools to enjoy the fruits of their labour, according to Catholic High School’s Board of Directors chairman Tan Sri Datuk Sir Tiong Hiew King.

He said with the support of the government, these schools are able to operate with sufficient funding and able to concentrate more on improving the quality of education they provide.

“More efforts will be spent on training teachers and to update the teaching curriculum with new developments and innovations.

“With these improvements, the schools will be able to produce graduates that contribute to nation-building and social and economic development,” he said at the opening of the school’s multi-purpose education building yesterday.

Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong officiated at the function.

Tiong’s text of speech was read by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King.

According to Hiew King, Chinese independent schools are a cultural fortress for the Chinese community and if the fortress collapses, the community would lose a platform to preserve and continue their social culture.

He said the Chinese are very fortunate to have the freedom and rights to study and to teach Chinese language in Malaysia.

“When the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem started to give grants to Chinese independent schools, it symbolised the beginning of a new era for the Chinese community.

“This announcement may seem to arrive late but we must understand this decision was only possible because of the open-minded and tolerance ideology practised by our late chief minister,” he said.

He said although it may seem to be a logical and fair policy to implement, due to complex and sensitive racial issues, Chinese independent schools are still excluded from the National Education Policy after over 50 years of the nation’s independence.

He noted that Adenan’s voice on behalf of the Chinese community had won the praises of the people and set a new standard for future education policies.

“We are much delighted and relieved to know that our current Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari (Tun Openg) has pledged to continue Adenan’s legacy to grant support and recognition to Chinese independent schools,” he enthused.

Meanwhile, Hiew King requested for another RM1 million grant to facilitate Catholic High School’s development project.

Also present at the event were Education and Technological Research assistant minister Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Catholic High School principal Rev Bro Anthony Tay and Monsignor Michael Lee.