The donation by China’s ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang to eight Chinese Primary Schools (SRJK Cina) should be seen as an act of kindness, said Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon.

Although the donation has raised mixed feelings, he urged critics not to be "too negative".

Chong, who is also MCA Youth chief, expressed gratitude to Huang, while stressing that the government has been providing allocations to Chinese schools.

He also said Huang's donation was "well-intentioned".

One of the critics, DAP Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching, has said the donation showed that the foreign envoy knows the predicament of Chinese schools better than “our minister”.

"Teo is too negative. Education goes beyond nationalities and borders. No matter the condition of the schools, we welcome donations.

"Last year, the ambassador also donated money and distributed supplies to schools. This was a well-intentioned act.

"If she (Teo) says we had to rely on others because we lack money, then as MP, how much funds have she provided to schools in her constituency?”

"Take care of your own constituency. Don't be so negative. We should be happy to receive the donation," he said after visiting Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, today.

According to Chinese dailies, Huang was invited by Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also the Sembrong MP, to attend a local Chinese New Year open house there last Sunday.

Huang handed over the cheque for the schools to Paloh MCA assemblyperson Teoh Yap Kun, witnessed by Hishammuddin and MCA deputy chief Wee Ka Siong. Both welcomed the donation with applause and smiles.

M'sians donate to China

Chong pointed out that China is prosperous, yet many Malaysians have made donations to it for educational purposes.

"Are you saying China has no money to develop its education, and thus needs donations from Malaysians? Don't be so negative," he said, to applause.

For political analyst Tang Ah Chai, the envoy's high-profile donation was a friendly gesture to "wow" the Chinese community and perhaps even a "suggestion" to the Malaysian government to follow suit .

However, Chong disagreed. "If you says SJKCs have insufficient funds, to be sure, everyone hopes for more. But schools do receive allocations every year from the government.

"This is why I say it's not about following suit or not. As the government, looking after all schools is our duty," he said.