Statement and Declaration Released by Dong Zong

November 4, 2018

Appropriation for MICSS in Budget 2019 Commended—

Fair Treatment for All Vernacular Schools Urged

1. In the Budget 2019, 60.2 billion was appropriated to the MOE which is 19.1 percent out of the total appropriation sum and thus it is actually the most allocated ministry. It verily translates the new government’s realisation of the crucial role education plays in the promotion of commercial competitiveness and citizen quality. We welcome and commend this constructive act knowing deep down the appropriation on education reform as an investment will only be fruitful as ascribed when the execution power of the government is resolute.

2. In matters of appropriation, we are overjoyed and exalted by the first ever Budget appropriation of 12 million to all independent Chinese secondary schools nationwide. Notwithstanding the sum of 12 million, comparatively it is a meagre sum in the face of annual deficit shouldered by all independent Chinese secondary schools nationally. Yet this compassionate act is heartily appreciated while the country is experiencing financial difficulty. But we wish that this move would be the first step of systemised appropriation, a good start, which would augur well in years to come for all independent Chinese secondary schools when the government’s financial situation finally rebounds.

3. The appropriation pronouncement indicates that the new government is willing to provide all vernacular schools with fairer treatment. We hope this attitude will be engaged by the Pakatan Harapan government while addressing problems faced by all streams and vernacular schools and systemise the appropriation at a much fairer level. We also hope that the government will schedule a meeting with us Dong Zong to deliberate the next course of actions and formulate appropriation criteria.

4. Past experience informs us that the appropriation provided by the government towards national-type schools is inconsistent; at times, several rounds of negotiations or charettes had to be staged by the Chinese community for the release of the appropriation accordingly. As a matter of fact, the 15 billion Budget appropriation towards independent Chinese secondary schools is wished to be a yearly systemised allocation for national-type secondary schools.

5. Further, it is also noted that the new government will specifically appropriate 3 billion for vocational education fund and another 2 billion for youth vocational training fund. Inspired by the ongoing, we would remind the Chinese community to keep an eye on its follow-ups and show solicitude for its relevant development closely.

6. In matters of budget appropriation, we believe there is still room for improvement in terms of education appropriation; for instance, in the Budget, 21 billion will be appropriated to Bumiputera education and human resource, though justifiable from the aspect of vulnerable Malay groups, there is no relative appropriation for other ethnic groups and thus unfair in resource distribution. In addition, the donations towards national institutions are exempt from taxation whereas donations funding privately run institutions such as independent Chinese secondary schools are otherwise requested to apply individually for exemption.