PRESS STATEMENT
Date : 7th Jan 2009
I urge the government to urgently allocate the RM50 million pledged by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in winding up Budget 2009, following news reports stating that a 20,000 spike in student enrollment in Tamil schools has led to a classroom shortage in some schools.
The increase will burst the seams of existing schools, prompting a need to build new classrooms and improve other facilities including the quality of the teaching staff in Tamil schools.
Although at one point there were 1,500 Tamil schools in the country, the figure has now dwindled to 523. But 373 of the total number of schools are partially aided and built mostly on private land. I, therefore, strongly urge the government to upgrade these schools to fully funded schools.
It has been noted that half of the 523 schools would have been closed down if not for the donations and efforts of private donors and activists working on Tamil school issues.
I welcome the move by the federal and state government to improve the conditions of the Tamil schools. However much more is needed to be done as the conditions of most schools are deplorable.
More than half of the existing schools lack infrastructure, trained teachers, resources and also need to be refurbished. The government must, therefore, look into this matter seriously and increase its financial allocation for Tamil schools.
The Tamil language is one of the oldest surviving languages. While it is heartening to see an increase in students in these schools, the government must also play its role in ensuring the students are not wanting for basic amenities.
The right to education and mother education is a fundamental human right and governments have a responsibility to realize the right.
Sincerely,
Charles Santiago
Member of Parliament, Klang
016-6267797
7 January, 2009 at 4:53 pm
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7 January, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Dear Charles,
I have been following the political situation in Malaysia,particularly all the issues concerning the Indians,the Sabahans and Sarawakians since the historic rise of Hindraf in Nov 2007.To be very honest,I notice only 2 PR Indian MPs who are truly keeping up to their pre-election promises and dare to be vocal.One is the Kapar MP,Manikavasagam and the other one is you.I applaud you both for voicing out what you feel is right and not be mere mandurs.I had enticed enough of my family members and friends to vote for PAKATAN,but I must say here that I am quite dissapointed to see the attitude of some PAKATAN leaders and even more dissapointed with some indian PAKATAN leaders who used the clarion call of makkal sakthi to be elected but became mere yes men to the top PAKATAN leadership.I sincerely wish here that the PAKATAN leadership led by the de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim will not dissapoint the rakyat who are craving for an egalitarian society.I for one yet to be convinced,but havent thrown in the towel yet.I take this opportunity to wish you and Manikavasagam all the best in all your future endeavours.May the blessings of god be with the both of you.Proud of you.
7 January, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I am an ardent proponent for change. What has 50 silent and patient years has given us.Hasnt Hindraf opened your eyes and hears or do Pakatan need to be told louder. I am glad Mike and Charles Santiago are not failing their constituents. The critics failed to realise that MP’s are primarily elected to serve the constituent first and foremost. The future govt in waiting should prove its capability at the state level inorder for the people to confidently sit you at Federal. If Pakatan cannot solve some of our problem at the state level. How can we expect you to do it at Federal level. The critics should stop behaving like off shoot of UMNO, MCA and MIC.
8 January, 2009 at 1:01 pm
[…] English Statement : Tamil Schools Need URGENT Funds Now. […]