MELAKA: The Melaka government is considering renaming a Chinese-type school in the state to "SJK(C) Laksamana Cheng Ho" to honour the historical value and longstanding friendship between Melaka and China, which dates back close to 600 years ago, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister said that the proposal of renaming a selected school will soon be submitted to the Education Ministry and the move is aimed to commemorate the close relationship established during the then Melaka Sultanate.
"We view this idea from a historical perspective, given the deep-rooted connection between Melaka and China over the past six centuries.
"Therefore, I propose that a school in our state be named Laksamana Cheng Ho School to reflect the long-standing historical ties between our communities," he said on Friday (Aug 30).
Separately, Ab Rauf pledged the state government's commitment to address funding constraints faced by schools in implementing various programmes.
He unveiled that a total of RM639,800 has been allocated to 99 secondary schools across the state for the Bijak SPM program this year.
He said RM147,000 will be distributed to 26 schools in Alor Gajah, benefiting 2,954 students; RM376,200 will be allocated to 52 schools in Melaka Tengah district for the benefit of 7,524 students and RM115,900 will be allocated to 21 schools in Jasin, impacting 2,318 students.
"I hope that such programs will provide 12,796 SPM candidates for the 2024 session with opportunities to attend workshops, hence, motivating them to pursue higher education and eventually contribute back to Melaka," he added.
