Do we need more by-elections to get windfalls for schools?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Federal Government to give annual allocations to schools including Chinese schools instead of windfalls during by-election.

The way the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak does it is to give allocations to institutions and others during by-elections such as in Hulu Selabngor and, now, Sibu. It seems that these institutions can benefit from the Federal Government only during by-elections. Those that need assistance pray for by-elections in their constituencies.

Dr Tan comments on the RM18 million allocated by Najib to Sibu Chinese schools on the eve of the by-election on May 16,2010.

We hope that the allocation is actually given to the various institutions as stated such as RM 10 million to 60 primary Chinese schools, RM 5 million to five secondary Chinese schools, RM2 million to SMK Sacred Heart and RM1 million to St Mary primary school to build new classrooms and upgrade facilities. Nobody should siphon off the money.

Annually, the yearly allocation for education is about RM35 billion, nearly 24 % of the national budget. There are 7,643 primary schools and 2,165 secondary schools and 20 public universities and over 30 private universities in the country. The fund should be given fairly to these schools and universities.

The Prime Minister should try his utmost to ensure that the large educational allocation is not misappropriated in an atmosphere of greed, corruption and decadence. If we can avoid wastage of public fund, more money can be given usefully to schools and universities which require help.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw