The Damansara Chinese primary school, which has fought to keep going in difficult circumstances for eight years, will re-open on Jan 5 for the new school-year.

damansara school pc 051208 group photo Deputy Education Minister Wee Kah Siong announced this during a visit this morning to the abandoned premises in Kampung Baru Damansara, Selangor.

However, the school will operate under a new name - that of the under-enrolled SRK (C) Chung Hwa, which is being relocated here from Perak.

"Save Our School committee (SOS Damansara) and the Perak school committee met on Sept 28 and agreed to use the (new) name," he said.

wee ka siong Wee explained that the Damansara school could not keep its original name, as this has been assigned to the new school built in nearby Tropicana.

Most of the students from the Damansara school had been relocated there on Jan 2, 2001, when the old premises were closed by the ministry.

This was on the basis that the location no longer provided a “conducive learning environment” due to traffic congestion and noise pollution from the neighbouring Sprint Highway.

However, several disgruntled parents and supporters refused to allow their children to be relocated from the Damansara premises, as this was the only Chinese primary school in the area .

sos damansara dinner 280608 keep your promise They formed the SOS Damansara committee and continued operating the school in air-conditioned containers placed in the adjacent Ruan Liang temple.

It has been run with funds from supporters, mainly from the community, who also turned their demand to re-open the school into a challenge for Chinese-based political parties.

After a long period of being ignored, their hopes were rekindled after Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussien met with the committee before the March 8 generel election.

Assurance on repairs

The deputy minister, accompanied by SOS Damansara acting chairperson Hew Wah, also announced that a new principal would be appointed.

He would not disclose details, apart from saying that the candidate will be a woman.

"Although her appointment will only take effect from Jan 1, we have ordered her to start work two weeks earlier to facilitate the transition from the committee. Twelve teachers will be assigned to the school," he said.

sos damansara school reopening 030108 abandoned “The number of students will be limited to 600. Although there are only 150 students now, I believe that the number will increase.”

On criticism that the old premises have yet to be repaired, Wee said this would be completed in time for the start of the school-year.

"Repairs to the wiring, piping and drainage system can be finished within 10 to 14 days," he said, adding that the cost is estimated at RM15,000.

Wee said the school will only have one session - in the morning - to avoid problems caused by traffic build-up in the afternoon. Barriers will be built between the school and the highway to reduce noise pollution.

Hew expressed happiness that the committee’s goal has been achieved.

"I hope parents in nearby areas will send their children here, now that the deputy minister has made the announcement," he added.

Also present this morning were MCA women's chief and former Petaling Jaya Utara MP Chew Mei Fun, special officer for education minister Hisham Nordin, and other officials.