KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM15.75mil has been allocated to 63 independent Chinese schools in a continued government initiative.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke handed over a mock cheque to the school representatives in a simple ceremony on Friday (May 5), while the funds of RM250,000 have been given to each school's account in March.
Although not an institutionalised allocation, Loke said funds for the independent Chinese schools started in 2019 and has become an annual matter, reported Sin Chew Daily.
He said RM12mil was allocated in 2019.
"Although there were different governments between 2020 and 2022, they still allocated RM15mil each for those three years.
"Although it was handled in a low-key manner, what's important is that the allocation is there," he said.
Loke said that the allocation was a significant recognition of independent Chinese schools that have been producing many talents for the country.
For example, he said Malaysian science researcher Dr Ji Jiakui, who is based at Tsinghua University in China, was from an independent Chinese school in Malaysia and made an impression on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"The premier remembers him and he mentioned him during his recent meeting with China's president Xi Jinping during his official visit to China.
"Anwar said he hoped that Dr Ji would return to Malaysia and contribute his expertise to the country.
"This shows that the government recognises talents produced by independent Chinese schools.
"We hope the government will continue supporting the development of Chinese education," he said.
In April, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon thanked Anwar for his continued support of Chinese education by allocating RM15.75mil to independent Chinese schools.
Even though the funds were not part of Budget 2023, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, approved the amount to be disbursed to all 63 independent Chinese schools in the country, with each to receive RM250,000.
Dr Mah said the amount had increased from RM15mil in 2022, an indication that the present government was sincere in helping Chinese education.
