JOHOR BARU: Chinese vernacular schools will continue to receive the government’s attention along with other mainstream education institutions, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       He said the existence of various streams of education, such as Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools and national-type schools, had been a non-issue since the nation achieved independence.

       “In the 2021 and 2022 Budget, all schools, including vernacular schools, received allocations and there was even an increase in the amount compared with before.

       “The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 also clearly states that the government will strengthen the education system, which includes national-type schools like SJK(C) and SJK(T).

       “In the context of nation-building, these differences are valuable assets and will not split us but strengthen us,” he said after the opening ceremony and handing over of SJK(C) Cheah Fah from Sunway City Iskandar Puteri to the state education department in Iskandar Puteri here yesterday.

       Dr Wee added that there were about 20% non-Chinese students studying in SJK(C)s, and that the parents’ choice for their children’s education should be respected.

       Dr Wee, who is also the Transport Minister, thanked Sunway Group and its founder Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah for sponsoring the land and building cost of RM18mil to set up SJK(C) Cheah Fah, which can cater to 960 primary school pupils.

       He said the school was the first to be completed among the 10 new Chinese primary schools approved by the government in 2017 with the help of MCA.

       “I have assisted in the setting up of 30-odd schools from when I was deputy Education Minister.

       “I can say that this is one of the most well-built ones, and it is made possible with Sunway’s huge contribution,” he added.

       On Oct 26, 2017, then Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid announced the approval of “10+6” schools (10 new and six relocated schools), with SJK(C) Cheah Fah being one of them, Dr Wee said.

       Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, who was also present at the event, said the 24-classroom school was expected to begin operating in the upcoming 2022 school session.

       He commended Sunway Group for completing the school in about four years, adding that 375 pupils had already enrolled so far.

       “I believe this well-equipped school, named after Cheah’s late father, will be able to provide good education to our future generations to embody his spirit,” he added.