P062 Sungai Siput

Tuan Kesavan a/l Subramaniam (Sungai Siput) advocated for the inclusion of interventions, such as scholarships, academic guidance programs, and the strengthening of Tamil schools (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) - SJK(T)), in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (Rancangan Malaysia Ke-13 - RMK-13) to ensure education serves as a platform for social mobility.

The MP thanked the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Education for the handover of the new Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Heawood building on March 4, which was to become operational on March 11, and requested the Ministry of Education to expedite the delayed EOT and DOA processes for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) Sungai Reyla.

MP Kesavan a/l Subramaniam (Sungai Siput) inquired about the status of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) SJK(T) construction projects under the 2012/2013 Special Stimulus Package and the 10th/11th Malaysia Plans, which faced delays, and requested their expected completion and operational dates. The Deputy Minister of Education, Wong Kah Woh, responded that out of eight such projects, one was completed and seven were still under construction.

The MP stated that the Malaysian Constitution guarantees the existence of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil SJK(T) and Chinese-medium national-type schools (SJK(C)), alongside the official religion of Islam and the Malay language.

Tuan Kesavan a/l Subramaniam relayed a plea from the Coalition of Malaysian Tamil School Boards for a comprehensive allocation to ensure the sustainability of SJK(T) and mother-tongue education. They also requested clarification on the specific amount of the RM1.9 billion allocated in Budget 2024 for school maintenance that would be designated for Tamil schools.