The Damansara Chinese primary school, which has fought to keep going in difficult circumstances for eight years, reopened today under the new name SJKC Chung Hwa.

sos damansara reopening renamed mca and dap 221208 By the joy of activists and parents has been overshadowed by the ongoing tug-of-war between MCA and DAP.

Both political parties have continued to claim credit for the hard-won ‘victory’, but their rivalry has now spilt into the composition of the school board.

The pro-DAP faction in the ‘Save Our School’ (SOS Damansara) committee is unhappy over the selection of board members. Others in the committee remain neutral and are prepared to work with the education ministry.

Committee member Tommy Chin Keh Kong accused the ministry of interfering in the formation of the school board, also describing the accreditation process as unjust and unfair.

He said the 15-member board should solely comprise active SOS Damansara committee members, especially those who have worked hard for the reopening of the school.

The committee met last Saturday to decide on board members. However, Chin said this was done in secrecy and without the participation of residents of Kampung Damansara Baru, where the school is located.

Chin told Malaysiakini that one individual - who is currently living abroad - has won accreditation to the board.

Claims refuted

However, Chong Pai Chee, the acting secretary of SOS Damansara, refuted Chin’s claims.

sos damansara pc 111207 chong pai chee She said the selection of members was done through a voting process. Ten of the 12 committee members agreed on the list of names.

However, the ministry only gave the committee nine posts. Since Chin had a lower ranking than the others, he did not qualify for a post, she said.

Chong also clarified that the board does not comprise any member who is living abroad.

“All committee members were allowed to attend the emergency meeting on Saturday. However, residents who are not members obviously were not allowed to do so,” she said.

She said the board was formed in accordance with rules, but that its structure will be changed in time when related organisations - such as the alumni and parents’ association - are created.

Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong stopped by the school this morning without attending the opening ceremony, as he had other urgent duties in hand.

Two banners were seen in front of the school, protesting the SOS Damansara committee’s decision as well as alleged interference by Wee.