Schools should be a places of learning and politicians must not hide behind these noble institutions of education. The federal government has a ruling that all opposition politicians are not allowed to step into a school premise whether for in an official or personal capacity.

In the case of Subang Jaya assembly person Hannah Yeoh, she was not even allowed to enter her own alma mater as a former head prefect. Most recently, it was revealed that a private fundraising function organised by the DAP in USJ1, Subang Jaya was cancelled and the deposit refunded because the school’s board of governors rejected having the function.

 

Who owns  the school? Is it not a public building and therefore owned by the citizens of Malaysia?  In the case of SRJK (C) Chee Wen, who contributed to the building of the school and the school hall? Was it not through the tireless effort of the parents, students and teachers over the past five years?  

In the beginning, when the school first opened, there were not even enough tables and chairs and if not for the generous contribution of one of the parents, some children would have had to sit on the floor!  

 

The BN government at that  time (pre-2008) was quite used to having the Chinese schools beg for money through their well-connected, politically-motivated boards of governors. The motivation to have MCA leaders on the board was great as they could pull strings to fund various school projects. The school, in turn, gave them a platform for publicity and for the opportunity to advance politically and perhaps run for public office.

 

Things have changed. The MCA leaders on school boards now sit in isolation, defending their positions hopefully until the next general elections. Many still use this as a platform for campaigning and when school dinner functions and concerts are held, MCA top guns get to visit.  

 

This is the sad case of today’s vernacular schools. The Parent-Teacher Association chairperson and members of the school board of governors are inevitably MCA people. The nitty-gritty of the schoolchildren’s welfare and school life is overlooked for much ‘greater’ things like the next elections and how to keep DAP away from using the school halls etc.   

In the case of Chee Wen, I wish there was more being done to keep the school clean, to find ways to lighten the children’s school bags, to  establish more clubs and societies for the school kids and to find ways to allow our kids to engage with the community. This will inevitably draw more parents to volunteer their services and time.

 

It is time to reclaim our schools at the local level. No more politicians. The parents will decide which politician to allow in and when. Not the political parties. It’s time  to clean up!