KUALA LUMPUR; The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has strongly objected to the implementation of “Donate and Build” (Derma dan Bina) scheme, for construction of new Chinese primary schools.
Its President, Tan Sri T.C Goh said the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concept-based approach which was endorsed by the Ministry of Education back in 2017, should not become a new model or policy, for the government or Ministry of Education to approve the construction of any new Chinese primary schools, in the future.
“Instead, the government should consider the construction or relocation of all types of primary and secondary schools, including Chinese primary schools, as part of its fiduciary responsibilities to maintain the existing national multi-stream education system and structure,” he said.
In a statement issued today, Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), said that the Minister of Education’s statement in Parliament has caused confusion and concern among the Chinese community.
“If this is the government’s new model or policy, it will inevitably give people, especially the Chinese community, the misconception that the Chinese Primary schools are not public-funded but “half-private sector funded”.
“The government is responsible for the development expenses of Chinese primary schools, which include teaching staff, maintenance funds, and curriculum and examinations, etc. However, if the construction or relocation of new schools is to be fully implemented or encouraged through the ‘Donate and Build” scheme, it is unacceptable,” he argued.
He then reminded that the Chinese community and Chinese businesses have been donating to Chinese education annually, which has long been described as the “second income tax.”
He thus asked, “Do we need to increase the second income tax again?”
In response to the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek’s recent announcement on the “Donate and Build” scheme, in Parliament, and the ensuing controversy, Goh said Huazong has proposed a 10-point stand and suggestion, urging the government or the Ministry of Education to pay attention and clarify, as follows:
1. Huazong firmly opposes the implementation of the “Donate and Build” scheme for Chinese primary schools and calls on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to immediately retract this model!
2. The government should set the priority right instead of putting the cart before the horse. In line with this, it should promptly declare that the “Donate and Build” or “Donate and Develop” models must not become the unwritten “reason” or “additional condition” for the government to approve the construction or relocation of Chinese primary schools in the future!
3. Huazong firmly believes that, under the principle of developing national education for all, the government should listen to public opinion and approve the construction or relocation of all types of schools, including Chinese primary schools, according to actual needs, and proactively and systematically provide funding for implementation.
4. Huazong calls on the government to include the construction or relocation of all types of schools, including Chinese primary schools, and the necessary funding in the annual national budget for implementation.
5. The Minister of Education should clarify whether the “Donate and Build Scheme” has been included in the “new initiative of the Ministry of Education” approved in 2017, for the construction of 10 Chinese primary schools (1 has started classes, and 9 are still pending).
6. The Minister of Education also stated that she officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sunsuria City and SJK (C.) Sunsuria in Sepang on May 25 this year, and that this school was the first Chinese primary school construction project approved under the “Donate and Build Scheme”. Does this mean that the constructions of all new Chinese primary schools, or those to be relocated, in the future will adopt this model for implementation?
7. Under the “Donate and Build” model, besides approving the school construction or relocation permits, will the federal government or the Ministry of Education also provide the necessary funding for construction of new schools and facilities? Will the state government also approve the land or its conversion (for educational use) and the additional payment for the land premium, etc.?
8. Has the “Donate and Build” model of the Ministry of Education been thoroughly studied and approved by the Unity Government Cabinet? Will it also be applied to other types of schools?
9. Huazong does not oppose and encourages private enterprises and all education enthusiasts to fulfill their corporate social responsibility, or support educational initiatives, by donating to support all types of schools, including construction of school infrastructure and amenities.
10. Hua Zong calls on the government to provide more tax exemptions and incentives for private enterprises and individuals who respond to and support the “Donate and Build” scheme or in support of school development, to carry out their CSR.-pr/BNN
