MCA to continue defending Chinese vernacular schools

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA will continue to defend the nation's multi-stream education system, particularly Chinese national vernacular schools (SJKC).
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said diversity in the education system is the cornerstone of the nation’s success as it gives birth to generations of highly capable and confident Malaysians who can stand tall on the local and international stage.
“In this context, I am hoping that the government would approve the establishment of more SJKC, and relocate schools that have fewer students to areas with larger Chinese communities, particularly the urban areas.
“We are hoping that more Chinese schools can be built in the urban areas because Chinese schools are part of the national education system and for that we need the government to plan forward so that these schools can grow according to the community's and country's needs,” Liow said during his speech at the party's 63rd annual general meeting today.
In his speech, Liow also hoped that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak will consider allocating land and funds for this purpose.
Responding to the request, Najib who officiated the meeting, said he would work closely with Liow and MCA while assuring that the government will help the Chinese community in whatever way possible.
“Although sometimes there would be problems in implementation, we will push through whatever is fair to the Chinese community, hence, we will help you whenever we can,” Najib said in his speech.
Liow thanked Najib for his positive response over the matter and revealed that the prime minister has requested him and party deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to work out all the necessary details.
Asked when the details will be finalised, Liow said it would be done after the party completed its series of engagements with the relevant stakeholders.
On another matter, Liow said MCA has proposed that a national reconciliation agenda be part and parcel of the 30-year Transformation National 2050 (TN50) that was rolled out by Najib when tabling the 2017 Budget.
Liow said the party had actually mooted the idea of establishing a National Reconciliation Council at its annual general meeting last year.