Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh has chastised a PAS lawmaker for harping on a visit from China naval students to a Chinese private school in Penang back in October.
Senator Hussin Ismail raised the matter once again in the Dewan Negara today, wrongly referring to it as a visit from the "People’s Liberation Army".
He alleged that a school in Penang had invited the "People’s Liberation Army" for a visit and sought clarification from the Education Ministry on the protocols over such matters.
In response, Wong (above) chided Hussin for distorting facts and questioned what was so sensitive when it came to China.
He pointed out that even PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang recently met with China’s envoy.
“When we are discussing so-called ‘sensitive nations’, I don’t understand what is there to be sensitive about.
“Two days back, even Marang MP Hadi made a courtesy visit to China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties,” Wong said.
It was reported that Hadi’s meeting at the China embassy in Kuala Lumpur saw the duo exchange views on efforts to “strengthen ties” between the two countries in culture, economy, and international relations.
During the Dewan Negara session today, Hussin also questioned whether other educational institutions might, in the future, also invite military forces from other major powers.
“Would there be any other institutions that may invite armies from other countries such as Russia, the US, or India?
“And wouldn’t this create unease among the people?”
Get facts right
Wong cautioned Hussin to get the facts right on this issue.
"I would also like to emphasise that when we raise an issue or read any news, we must ensure that the information is based on accurate facts.
"When we say there was an invitation extended to the Chinese military, that is not accurate.
"In the case mentioned by the senator, it was a friendly visit and cultural exchange programme between the Naval University of Engineering China, and Chung Ling Private Secondary School," he said.
The programme was organised by the Chinese consulate-general in Penang and it involved the participation of 160 China naval students, which included cultural performances, he added.
He also emphasised that the same guidelines are applicable for all education institutions under the ministry.
There is also a set of guidelines for politicians and important persons when visiting schools, he added.
Misinformation
On Oct 10, former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah questioned what he claimed to be the “extraordinary” reception given to two China navy vessels that made a port call in Penang.
He also asked why the Chinese navy personnel were allowed to visit a school.
However, his successor Mohamad Hasan said the visit met all diplomatic procedures, adding that the Defence Ministry had approved the Chinese naval ships’ visit.
On Oct 10, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said there was misinformation spread online and the visit involved 165 lecturers and students from the Naval University of Engineering China to Chung Ling Private High School in George Town.
Fadhlina clarified that it was a cultural and sports programme conducted by the Chinese students, and not naval personnel. - Mkini
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