(Kuching 10th News) Sri Aman Chinese General Chamber of Commerce President and Sri Aman Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Dato' Dr. Ngu Piew Seng highly commends the unity government's decision to fully extend the policy of merging various micro-stream schools.
He believes that this policy provides reassurance for micro Chinese primary schools and injects a boost for the future development of Chinese education. It is an important measure to safeguard Chinese education and fully reflects the government's emphasis and respect for multicultural education.
He pointed out that Deputy Minister of Education Huang Jiahe and Minister of Education Fadhlina are committed to ensuring that no mini schools will be closed or merged during their term, especially adhering to the policy principle of “not a single Chinese primary school can be reduced”, fully responding to the long-standing demands and concerns of the Chinese community.
“This undoubtedly adds confidence to the Chinese community in the inheritance of Chinese education and demonstrates the governance philosophy of the unity government being people-oriented.”
He mentioned that discussions about the merging plan of mini schools have always caused social unrest over the years. Although the government has never closed any mini Chinese primary schools, the topic still causes concern among many parents and educators. Now, the Ministry of Education has clearly extended the merger plan in writing, further eliminating concerns within the Chinese community.
Dato' Dr. Ngu Piew Seng stated in a press release today that Chinese education is not only an important cultural cornerstone of the Chinese community but also a crucial component of our country's multiculturalism. The existence of micro Chinese primary schools is significant, especially in remote areas, as they carry the mission of transmitting language and culture and provide local students with equal educational opportunities.
He specifically mentioned his alma mater, Ming Cheng School in Min Tan Ngoh, although a micro school, its value is not limited to the number of students but lies in its profound impact and educational contribution to the local community.
“Micro Chinese primary schools, regardless of their size, have missions and significance that cannot be underestimated. They are the educational hope for children in remote areas and the core of rural community culture. Protecting these schools is protecting the future of Chinese education and practicing multicultural values.”
He stated that the unity government's policy adjustment towards mini schools not only dispels societal concerns but also sends a clear signal to the Chinese community—that any micro Chinese primary schools will be protected without worrying about merger or closure issues.
He also appreciates that while extending the merger plan, the Ministry of Education actively takes flexible measures, including relocating schools and establishing free preschool classes, to create more possibilities for the long-term development of micro schools.
Dato' Dr. Ngu Piew Seng emphasized that the survival and development of Chinese education require government policy support and the joint efforts of the Chinese community.
He calls on the entire Chinese community to continue to pay attention to and support the development of micro Chinese primary schools, ensuring that each school can continue to shine in the new era and build bridges of knowledge and culture for the next generation.
He said that in the 2025 budget, the Prosperous Malaysia government again allocated 50 million ringgit for the maintenance of non-Islamic religious sites nationwide. This means that, since the establishment of the Prosperous Malaysia government, the total maintenance fund for non-Islamic religious sites over three years has reached 150 million ringgit, the highest in history.
“This fully reflects the Prosperous Malaysia government's determination to benefit all people and firmly uphold a pluralistic society, regardless of race or religion.”