KKB BY-ELECTION | The headmaster of SJKC Chung Hua in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan has sprung to alumnus Pang Sock Tao’s defence, saying Chinese school students have unquestionable loyalty to the country.
Chong Joon Kin also said Malaysians regardless of race or educational background have the right to become election candidates, as with Pang (above) in her bid to become Kuala Kubu Baharu’s next assemblyperson for Pakatan Harapan.
He then cited DAP national publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching, deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, as examples of those who forged successful political careers after graduating from Chinese independent schools.
“It’s not news for Chinese independent school students to enter politics,” he said.
“We fulfil our responsibilities to the nation and society with integrity and we have the right to become candidates, regardless of race or educational background. There should be no questioning.”
Chong also highlighted the trilingual education adopted by Chinese independent schools and the singing and playing of the national and state anthems during important occasions.
“We have preserved mother tongue education through a century of struggle but the schools also use three languages for teaching, and they also teach the Rukun Negara.
“Whether it’s during assemblies or at important events, we always sing the national anthem, state anthem, and school anthem. So, there’s no doubt about the loyalty of (Chinese independent school students) to Malaysia.”
PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari previously criticised Pang for not revealing her primary and secondary school qualifications in her election profile.
This followed questions about the academic qualifications of Perikatan Nasional candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election Khairul Azhari Saut.
In response, the Harapan candidate posted her UPSR and SPM results - straight As for both - on social media.
However, Fadhli then singled out the fact that Pang received her primary and secondary education at Chinese vernacular schools.
High achiever Pang a ‘political talent’
Meanwhile, Chong said he believes Pang is a suitable talent for politics and that the directors and school authorities of Chung Hua are proud of her.
“It is commendable when students participate in elections, regardless of which political party they join. They do so out of concern for society, dedication to politics, and a desire to contribute to the nation,” he said.
He said Pang was well-liked by teachers when she was in school and actively participated in the debate team, adding that after graduating, she frequently returned to school to mentor the debate team alongside other alumni.
He added that despite Pang scoring well in SPM, she did not leave school but continued her studies and took the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
“Despite her (Pang) achieving excellent results in SPM, she did not leave. We take the SPM in the fifth year, and we still have to take the UEC for the last year, and she stayed to complete her studies and take the UEC.
“She is articulate, proficient in three languages, and I believe she is a very suitable talent for politics.” - Mkini
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