COMMENT | I am always amused by Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon and his comments in news reports.

Over a caning incident that I am familiar with, Chong accused Persatuan Jaringan Ibubapa Pencinta Pendidikan Bahasa Zhong Hua (Jiazhong) of going to the press instead of writing to his ministry.

However, Jiazhong adviser, Edward Neoh, immediately rebutted Chong, saying that scores of letters had been written to the ministry, especially over the collection of the goods and services tax (GST) by schools on behalf of vendors, which have not been responded to.

Even the response from the ministry to complainants is a standard letter that says investigation has been carried out and corrective measures have been put in place. Complainants are left in the dark of the outcome of their complaints.

That, for your information, is the reason why many complainants, after exhausting the normal channels, decide to go to the press as the fifth pillar...