Greater efforts to renovate 2010 schools in dire state

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to step up the efforts to renovate 2010 schools which are in dire state in the country.

Projects to improve these schools must be given to contractors who can do the jobs. Hence, the system must be improved, including ensuring that all tenders are truly open.

On 30.8.2010, Dr Tan continues to be concerned with the 2,101 schools which are in a very bad state.

There are 9,808 primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. According to the Education Ministry, 2,101 schools are in dire state, 1,553 primary and 548 secondary. Of these, 224 primary schools are in Sarawak and 73 secondary schools are in Pahang.

We do not know what criteria are used by the ministry to assess the conditions of these schools. How many more are in various state of disrepair?

Tan Sri Muhyiddin says that the Tenth Malaysia Plan contains projects to improve the physical conditions of these schools, including building new blocks, having special cabins and maintenance. He must give the schedule of implementing these projects and the ways contrators are appointed.

Previously, some contractors were not able to complete their projects because of various factors. The ministry must identify them to ensure that only good contractors are appointed for the projects. There must be no irregularities such as endless subcontracting.

We like to see a determination to improve our schools as Malaysians celebrate Merdeka. We must stress that 24% of our RM191 billion national budget are allocated for education.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw