Chin Woo chairperson wants no-demolition vow in writing

Despite an assurance by MCA that no demolition work will be carried out at parts of the school compound of SJK (C) Chin Woo, this does not convince school board chairperson Oo Tin Fuan, as he hopes for a promise in writing on the matter. 

Oo (right) told Malaysiakini today that although MCA leaders had promised and guaranteed many things verbally, there has been no black-and-white to prove that. 

MCA deputy president Liow Tiong Lai had, through the Tourism and Culture Ministry, informed the Land Office not to carry out the demolition, but Oo said there had been no response from the Land Office.   

“They (Land Office) did not reply at all. Do you think I am worried or not?” 

Earlier today, MCA Youth education bureau chairperson Chong Sin Woon held a press conference at Wisma MCA, pledging to protest should the demolition take place. 

Chong said the party wing would be on the front line to protect the 84-year-old Chinese primary school in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur. 

When asked if MCA Youth’s pledges were appreciated, Oo said there was no use for the wing to stand up for the school without valid documents that were able to prove there would be no demolition work. 

Oo reiterated that the school was still relying on MCA to help the school in getting an amicable way to solve the land dispute. 

The Tourism and Culture Ministry has acquired 1,393.55 sq metres of the school’s compound for the construction of a government-owned restaurant. The school was informed of the matter in September last year. 

This has been strongly opposed by NGOs and the school’s board of directors, among others.

 Nazri: Demolition work still on

Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz maintained his stand, stressing that it was just a matter of time that the demolition work is carried out.

Speaking to the press after officiating at an art fair today, he said that the school must vacate the land which belongs to the ministry.

I want them to know that it has to go because this land belongs to the government and its use is for my ministry," he said.

However, Nazri added the ministry is willing to allow the school to occupy the land until the school holidays at the end of the year.

"If it has been delayed for six months, and you come to tell me to let them use it for another month till the school holidays, it doesn't matter," he added.