The Malacca government should rectify its bias and be more equitable in allocating education grants, because statistics reveal that it is favouring "a particular race", alleged state assembly representative Betty Chew Gek Cheng.

Addressing the legislative assembly yesterday, Chew (DAP-Durian Daun) said the bulk of the allocation - via the State Education Trust Fund - was being channeled to Malay students.

Citing percentages of loans received in 2002, she pointed out that only 21 percent and 16 percent of Chinese and Indian primary school students were recipients of state grants as opposed to 63 percent of Malay students.

And while 86 percent of Malay students at secondary level received financial support from the state government, only nine percent and four percent of Chinese and Indians students had received such help.

In universities, she said 91 percent of Malay students from Malacca received financial support, compared to 6.5 percent and 2.5 percent of Chinese and Indian students.

Chew claimed that increasing the allocation to Chinese and Indian students would lead to a "win-win" situation and help in fostering national unity.

Such measures would "give encouragement and opportunities to (all) bright students and contribute to the progress of Malacca", she said.

She proposed that the state extends its model of Asnaf Fisabilillah, which caters to students undertaking Islamic studies. Under this, loan recipients who have completed undergraduate programmes are rewarded with discounts commensurate with academic achievements.

Additional schools

On another matter, Chew said residents in Malim-Batu Berendam and Ujong Pasir are in need of additional Chinese schools for their children since as many as 100 students may be edged out due to overcrowding in four primary schools there.

She said the number of students who have applied for enrolment has exceeded the number of places available.

She added that in 1982, "a certain MP" had promised to build at least one school in Ujong Pasir but 20 years on, this has yet to materialise.

"Don't wait another 20 years when the MP will no longer be alive and a SRJK (C) in Ujong Pasir will not become a reality," she added.