The under-fire Federation of Chinese School Headmasters has toned down its call for a halt to computer literacy and tuition class and the sale of extra workbooks in all Chinese primary schools.

It took a step back in a statement issued late yesterday, following criticism of its move that had been announced in an advertisement placed in the day's major Chinese-language dailies.

The federation said any such decision would be up to the school board and the parents association.

The advertisement was widely seen as a counter-attack against allegations by some parents and members of school committees that principals have been receiving kickbacks via commissions from suppliers of such goods and services.

The first section responds to calls to dissolve the federation, saying the group has contributed much to Chinese education.

"If the Chinese community thinks that the federation should be dissolved, we are willing to do so immediately," read the advertisement, which was originally placed for three days, but has since been pulled out.

In the second part, the federation claimed that many members want computer literacy and tuition classes terminated because of the accusation that principals have pocketed an estimated RM150 million by approving these activities and the sale of additional workbooks.

These allegations of corrupt practice surfaced during a talk-show early last month. Following this, a newspaper advertisement offered a RM500,000 reward for those who could bring in evidence.

The federation also claimed to have been shamed because "the community issue" has been picked up and reported by the English-language New Straits Times , causing embarrassment.

Editorial opinion

The federation's decision was picked up as headline news by almost all the Chinese-language dailies yesterday.

Sin Chew Daily, Oriental Daily News and China Press said in their editorial that the parties involved in the dispute should resolve their differences through dialogue.

They described the federation's decision as "emotional", "irrational" and one that would not benefit students.

The newspapers suggested that a transparent financial management system be established in all schools to weed out corruption.

Chinese education movement Dong Jiao Zong (DJZ) said the federation's decision to terminate computer literacy and tuition classes should have taken into consideration the principle of education as well as the impact on students.

It will invite related education groups to discuss the issue soon, it said in a statement yesterday, although this did not mention the issue of alleged corruption.

DJZ and the federation had earlier been involved in a dispute via the media over who should have authority over school canteens in Chinese schools, following the education ministry's move to transfer supervision to principals.

Although they had agreed to meet last Friday, the federation refused to attend after a demonstration at the venue by some parents and school committee members.

DJZ reiterated that the focus is over the authority and legitimacy of the school committees over property including the canteen, bookstore, school hall and bank account.

The Petaling Chinese School Parents Association described the federation's response as a "despicable" move to divert attention from the allegations of corruption.

The organisation, which had first raised the issue, said parents and school committee members should regain their authority over all school transactions.

"We will invite parents and school committee members to a meeting soon to set up a monitoring system," said chairperson Wong Foh Sang.