KUCHING:
The public-private contribution model for vernacular schools is a good and
workable system, says Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
“The
Government will fund and build certain projects, and so will the community. The
model has worked very well over the decades. This closeness between the people
and the Government is very encouraging,” Lo told reporters after inspecting a
newly tarred carpark at SJK (C) Chung Hua Rantau Panjang Batu Kawa near here.
The
upgrading work at the school was part of a road improvement project in the
area, including access roads to nearby houses.
Overall,
the project cost RM300,000, Lo said, and was carried out by the Public Works
Department.
The
school, which celebrated its 81st anniversary earlier this year, has just under
200 pupils, of whom about 10% are bumiputras.
One among
a number of Chinese-medium primary schools in the Batu Kawa area, it comprises
two blocks; the first is the single-storey row built in 1977 and consists of
wooden and concrete classrooms.
Another
is a concrete two-storey block constructed in 2003, which has added to the
number of classrooms and also allowed a pre-school to operate. Most recently, a
semi-open hall has also been built.
On a
related matter, Lo said the standard of education in the country, including the
Chinese language was high, in view of academic acceptance of Malaysian
universities by the China government.
“Similarly,
Malaysia recognises about 140 of Chinese universities. Education is an
important field. To compete globally, we need to maintain high standards.
Vernacular schools are playing their role,” he said.
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