DPM: We’ll continue to help Chinese schools

(The Star) – The Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated the Government’s assurance that Chinese schools will stay and that Barisan Nasional will continue to assist in their development.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister, said the Barisan government would continue to assist the national-type Chinese schools based on the real need of the Chinese community.

“It is the wisdom of our past and present leaders that, not only is Chinese education preserved in this country, but it also becomes part of the national education system,” he said when opening the 14th World Chinese Book Fair at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre here yesterday.

Also present were Deputy Education Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong and founder of Country Heights Holdings Berhad Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

Muhyiddin stressed that the Government was always committed to raising the quality of education in all types of schools.

He hoped that the Chinese community would not fall prey to the agenda of certain quarters who liked to politicise education for their political gain.

“At the same time, let us not forget the role of education as a means to unite Malaysians of all races.

“Let us make all schools in this country as unity schools, where children of all races can mingle freely, learn to accept differences and respect each other,” he said.

Separately, Muhyiddin’s nine-day working visit to Australia starting today will be used to gain new ideas especially in the field of education, besides forging closer bilateral ties, reported Bernama.

Muhyiddin, who begins his visit to Australia in Melbourne, among others, will deliver a keynote address at the 4th World Chinese Economic Forum (WCEF) rganised by the Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute (Asli), the first time it is being held outside Malaysia.