Police today sealed the SRJK (C) Damansara and a notice put up from the Education Ministry states that the school has ceased operations and has been moved to SRJK (C) Puay Chai (2) in Bandar Utama.

Chairperson of the action committee to maintain the 70-year-old school Ronnie Liu said that the police came in three cars and put up the notice late afternoon today.

"Police are guarding the school at the moment," said Liu.

The sealing is despite the agreements that were reached between the school's board of governors and the umbrella body of the Petaling Jaya Chinese schools.

"The meeting held yesterday between the Board of Directors, the Petaling Jaya Chinese Schools' Development Body and the villagers agreed that "all parties will respect the aspirations of the villagers to send their children to the school," Liu said.

In an apparent protest against the relocation, more than 200 students had registered at SRJK (C) Damansara, Selangor, on the first day of the school term this year, defying instructions by the school authorities to register at SRJK (C) Puay Chai (2).

The authorities have promised that a new and bigger SRJK (C) Damansara will be built under the Eighth Malaysian Plan, which has yet to be passed.

At present, there are eight volunteer teachers teaching the 100-odd students at the old school. The rest of the 1,400 plus students have either moved to Puay Chai (2) or opted to stay at home.

"It was agreed that a request will be made to the education department for teachers to be sent to the old school to teach those students who are staying put," said Liu.

Politicians distanced

Those who attended the meeting also agreed to respect the decision of parents who have decided to transfer their children to Puay Chai (2) in Bandar Utama.

"It was also agreed that politicians should refrain from getting involved in the issue and that more efforts be made to make sure that the promised SRJK (C) Damansara is built in adjacent Tropicana," said Liew.

Liu, who is DAP publicity chief, said he agreed with the decision.

"This (ruling) also goes for Petaling Jaya Utara MP Chew Mei Fun of MCA," he added.

He also said a gathering of old students of the school will be held at the SRJK (C) Damansara this Sunday.

"Since the school has been sealed, the gathering will have to be held outside," said Liu.