A woman, who is in her sixth day of hunger strike at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (SCAH) in Kuala Lumpur, vowed to continue until the authorities reopen the controversy-roiled SRJK (C) Damansara school.

Tuw Ah Mei, 59, said that she is determined to carry on the strike for an indefinite period.

"I am sad that not many people understand the school relocation issue," Tuw told malaysiakini at the entrance of the SCAH today.

"That is why I want to explain to them and make them understand," she added, showing several pieces of papers bearing signatures which she had collected during the strike.

The controversy surrounding the school started in January when students at the school were directed by the Education Ministry to temporarily transfer to SJK (C) Puay Chai (II) - a few kilometres away - while awaiting the completion of the new building in Tropicana.

The authorities have been unable to provide a clear explanation as to what would happen to the 70-year-old school and its abandoned site. The majority of the students have moved to Puay Chai (II) but 74 have stayed put and are continuing their classes at a neighbourhood temple.

Plain water

Since last Thursday, Tuw has been fasting, drinking only plain water, and sleeping at the SCAH premises. She has also been going around town to collect signatures in support of the Damansara school.

Tuw, who has four sons and hails from Kuantan, Pahang, has collected 81 signatures thus far.

DAP member of parliament for Kota Melaka, Kerk Kim Hock who visited Tuw said that he understood the woman's sentiments and determination, but implored her not to bring unnecessary sufferings upon herself.

"It is not the wish of the party leadership (DAP) to see this happen or see our supporters suffer like this," he told malaysiakini , adding that Tuw had threatened to jump from the MCA building if the school was demolished.

"We understand her strong wish to express her feelings and make people realise the importance of the issue, but this is going too far. We have asked her to stop hurting herself, but she refused," he added.

Kerk, who is also DAP secretary-general, said that Tuw, a party supporter, have always been in the forefront to support community issues.