Teik Cheng (above, foreground) taking part in the MCA Youth 70th Anniversary Youth Run and (photo at left: third from right) flagging off the event alongside Yang Pang (fifth right) and Chuan Hong (sixth right) at Taman Eko Rimba Cherok Tokun, Bukit Mertajam.
IT was a lively and vibrant day as some 400 participants made their way up Taman Eko Rimba Cherok Tokun in Bukit Mertajam during the MCA Youth 70th Anniversary Youth Run.
Organised by Bukit Mertajam MCA Youth, the event brought participants closer to nature, with lush greenery and fresh air providing the backdrop for a healthy lifestyle outing in a cheerful atmosphere.
MCA vice-president and Penang MCA chairman Tan Teik Cheng said the event symbolised continuity and the spirit of youthful succession within MCA Youth.
Teik Cheng hiking up Taman Eko Rimba Cherok Tokun in Bukit Mertajam.
“Since its establishment, MCA Youth has consistently shown the courage to speak out against injustice, raising concerns for the party, the nation, the Chinese community and all Malaysians, while addressing policies and issues detrimental to the Chinese community,” he said.
Teik Cheng said that over the past seven decades, the youth wing had built its strength and character by nurturing leaders who went on to serve in politics, society and education.
He said Malaysian youth must remain resolute and responsible amid an evolving political and social landscape.
“Only by facing challenges head-on and persevering through difficulties can young people continue to speak up for the rakyat and become a driving force for reform and national development,” he said after flagging off the hike with Bukit Mertajam MCA Youth chief Tan Yang Pang and Penang MCA vice-chairman Dr Tan Chuan Hong.
On a separate matter, Teik Cheng questioned the sharp rise in classroom construction costs, with some reaching as high as RM520,000 per classroom.
This was educational infrastructure that should be carried out with reasonable and transparent budgeting, he said, asking: “Does this involve unreasonable contracting procedures or inflated costs at multiple levels?
“Is bureaucratic or administrative wastage driving prices up, or is there a lack of effective oversight and accountability in the use of public funds?”
He said education formed the foundation of the nation’s future, warning that abnormal cost increases not only burdened public finances but could also delay school expansion and upgrades.
He called on Education Ministry to disclose detailed data, explain the cost increases and subject itself to full public and parliamentary scrutiny.
“Investment in education must prioritise students’ interests and must not become a channel for administrative wastage or improper transfers of benefits.”
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was reported as saying that the estimated cost of building a classroom over the past five years had doubled compared to the previous five-year period.
Unity government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil was subsequently quoted as saying the Cabinet would seek clarification from Education Ministry on the estimated cost of building a classroom, which has risen to between RM280,000 and RM520,000.
Meanwhile, Yang Pang thanked participants and supporters for their strong turnout, saying MCA Youth would continue to promote youth and community activities and strengthen social unity.
“Youth organisations must carry forward the struggles of their predecessors, uphold the strength and spirit of the MCA Youth Wing, and play an active role in contributing to society.”
