Govt allocates record RM18.9m for independent Chinese schools

 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that 63 Chinese independent schools will receive a record allocation of RM18.9 million in 2024.

He said that with the increased allocation of RM18.9 million, each of the 63 Chinese independent schools will now receive RM300,000.

Last year, the special allocation from the government was RM15.75 million, with each school receiving RM250,000.

The minister said the special allocation represents the government's affirmation of Chinese independent schools understanding that they faced significant financial challenges.

Loke hoped that the practice of giving public funds to Chinese independent schools would continue in the future.

"Regardless of who forms the government, I hope (special allocation for Chinese independent schools) becomes a new standard and practice," he said in a speech to symbolically hand over the allocation at the Chong Hwa Independent High School in Kuala Lumpur today.

He also hoped that such allocations could be disbursed before Chinese New Year each year.

Loke said he had relayed this when discussing the allocation with Prime Minister Anwar on Jan 19.

"I said that when we provide the allocation, we must do it sincerely, especially for the Chinese community, and try to announce it before the Chinese New Year. This is a sign of respect for the Chinese community.

"Because as Chinese, we shouldn't have debts during the Chinese New Year. We must settle everything before that," he said.

Loke added that the funds had already been disbursed to the schools last Friday.

Not part of federal budget

Despite wishing for the allocation to be continued in the future, Loke explained that this was currently not part of the federal budget.

Instead, he explained that this was a special allocation from the Finance Ministry, but assured that it would be given out annually.

He also said that the government would symbolically send a letter to the Finance Ministry each year asking for the allocation so that schools need not apply for it individually.

Dong Zong chairperson Tan Tai Kim, however, hoped that this would become a budget item so that the allocations are guaranteed.

He pointed out that Chinese independent schools belong to non-profit private educational institutions, and both societal donations and government allocations are used for the schools, teachers, and students to enhance the quality of education.

This, in turn, contributes to nurturing talent for the nation's prosperity and progress, he said.

"If the government can uphold the spirit of fairness, justice, love for the people, and wise utilization of talents in its governance, it will undoubtedly increase the confidence and sense of belonging among the people," Tai said in his speech at the same event.

He also urged state governments to emulate the federal government by increasing the annual allocation for Chinese independent schools, thereby alleviating the financial problem of each school.

"Only by doing so can Chinese independent schools thrive, and Chinese education can continue to broaden its reach," he said.

The handover of the RM18.9 million mock cheque today was witnessed by DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh and 55 Chinese independent school representatives.

Meanwhile, asked later about allocations for private higher education institutions, namely Southern University College, New Era University College, and Han Chiang University College of Communication, Loke said this was under a procedural review.

He said for now, the allocation would remain for independent schools only. - Mkini