MELAKA: MCA has a track record of championing Chinese education, having secured approvals for 19 new Chinese primary schools between 1999 and 2017, says its president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said the number rose to 102 when relocation projects were included, adding that the party's contributions to Chinese education should not be overlooked.
"Since 2008, when DAP came to power, not a single approval has been given for a new Chinese primary school. I am talking about new schools, not relocation approvals," he said during a Barisan Nasional dinner with non-governmental organisations here on Tuesday night (Nov 10).
Also present were caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, fellow party leaders and Barisan candidates — Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem (Duyong), Datuk Lim Ban Hong (Klebang), Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem (Machap Jaya), Jasmine Lok Huey Yee (Bandar Hilir) and Melvin Chua (Kota Laksamana).
Wee also recalled MCA's efforts to safeguard the use of Chinese as the medium of instruction in Chinese primary schools, saying the party had consistently stood firm on issues affecting their identity and character.
He cited his time as deputy education minister, when MCA had pushed for the continued use of Chinese in teaching subjects other than Bahasa Melayu and English, which are taught in their respective languages.
He also questioned DAP's role in defending Chinese education, saying political parties should be judged by their contributions rather than just their claims.
Turning to the Melaka polls, Wee urged voters to treat Saturday's state election as a referendum on the federal government, saying their votes could send a message to Putrajaya over its performance.
He said voters should look beyond political promises and assess what the government had delivered.
"Use your votes to send a message to the federal government. Wake them up and let them see that they can talk, but they do not deliver," he said.
He also said MCA had faced criticism both when it was thought to have secured no seats and after it was allocated seats, with opponents then claiming these had been given by PAS.
"No matter what, MCA will continue to stand up for the Chinese community despite the challenges faced in the election," he said.
