Wee denies holding school to ransom

No threats, no blackmail, no revenge - it was just plain bureaucracy behind the Education Ministry’s ‘delay’ in approving emergency funding for SJK (C) Sin Ming in Puchong.

Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong, elaborating on his comments yesterday, said the first meeting with the school board had been held on Feb 11.

“I told them about the need to verify funding (needs) and that this will only be finalised in the first week of March,” he said when contacted.

“There are certain procedures that we (the ministry) have to go through, like reviewing urgent items on the list that should be approved first.”

He pointed out that boards of other schools have also submitted similar applications for funds, and that it takes time to process such requests.

Sin Ming board chairperson Chai Yoon Peng had claimed that Wee - at a recent meeting at his ministry - had shown a letter of approval for emergency funds amounting to RM120,000.

It was also alleged that Wee told the board-members that payment would be held back just in case any ‘issues’ arise.

This triggered suspicion that the ministry was holding the school to ransom over its decision to invite Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and other Pakatan Rakyat leaders to the opening of a four-storey building and a fund-raising event held yesterday.

Some in the Chinese community were still not convinced with Wee’s explanation on the basis that previous MCA leaders had politicised Chinese education, using development funding as leverage to gain support.

MCA grassroots veteran Fong Ah Seng, confirming this, said: “The truth is that, in the past, MCA leaders including those holding posts in the Education Ministry had either raised funds or allocated government funds to Chinese schools for political purposes, especially before a general election or during by-elections to capture Chinese votes.

“In this case, if the allegation is true, it is not wise to hold a school to ransom politically. How would local residents feel about the party?”

Fong noted that the Selangor government under Pakatan had made a brilliant move in making inroads into the community by helping to raise RM350,000 at yesterday’s event.

‘Don’t politicise education’

A parent with two children studying in a Chinese school said he is against education being politicised.

“Education should be separated from politicking. Children should not be penalised just because a deputy minister from one party is against another party that sincerely wants to raise funds for a school,” he said.

Graduate Goh Su Yen, 28, said children should not be caught up in problems caused by politicians.

“They should not use development funding as a weapon against a school as it would be detrimental to the education of children. All Malaysians pay taxes and everyone - including Chinese schools - are entitled to opportunities to expand the infrastructure ,” she said.

“Why take it out on the school and pupils just because they have invited the legitimate Selangor government to grace an event? Politicians can sometimes do embarrassing things - they should learn from children.”

DAP parliamentarian Tony Pua said Wee had previously told Parliament that there is nothing wrong in opposition elected representatives visiting schools.

This clarification had come in the wake of Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh being denied entry to a school in her official capacity.

“Wee also said his ministry has not issued circulars, guidelines and rules to prevent such visits by opposition leaders,” he added.

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