JOHOR BARU: Chinese vernacular schools will continue to receive the government’s attention along with other mainstream education institutions, said 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, was 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 amount compared to before.

       “The Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 also clearly states that the government will strengthen the education system, which includes national-type schools like SJKCs and SJKTs.

       “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 SJKC Cheah Fah from Sunway City Iskandar Puteri to the state Education Department in Iskandar Puteri here on Friday (March 4).

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

       Dr Wee, who is also Transport Minister, thanked Sunway Group and its founder, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, for sponsoring the land and building cost of RM18mil to set up SJKC Cheah Fah, which has a capacity of 960 primary school pupils.

       He said the school is 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, and 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 Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid announced the approval of “10+6” schools (10 new and six relocated schools), which included SJKC Cheah Fah, he said.

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

       He commended Sunway for completing the school in about four years, which has seen an enrolment of 375 pupils so far.

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