KUALA LUMPUR: Eight Chinese national vernacular schools (SJKCs) will be built and relocated next year, said MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said more SJKC needed to be built across the country especially in urban areas as Chinese primary schools are part of the country’s education system.
“MCA takes developing Chinese education seriously. We will ensure the quality of SJKCs education to be on par will other schools of different streams,” he told reporters after delivering his speech at the 63rd MCA annual general meeting here, today.
He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who supported his appeal in establishing new SJKCs and relocation of schools which have fewer students to areas with larger Chinese communities.
“The PM has asked us to provide the details on these SJKCs that needed to be built and relocated. The government understands that SJKCs have to grow according to the needs of the Chinese community and country,” Liow said.
Nine Chinese education associations and five political parties have jointly formed Malaysia Chinese Education Consultative Council.
The council led by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has been tasked to study the future development of SJKCs.
Since 1999, a total of 104 SJKCs have been established and relocated. Liow said, 17 new SJKCs have already built and will be in operation next year while 87 SJKCs relocation permits have been approved by the government.
Meanwhile, Liow said, discussions with stakeholders from public university were underway for the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
“There is a need to sort out subjects requirements for UEC holders in public universities.” Liow said.