Why are Hokkien associations accusing the Education Ministry of sidelining SJKC committees?

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Hokkien Associations Accuse Education Ministry of Undermining SJKC Committees Over Jawi Introduction

The Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Association has accused the Education Ministry of deliberately marginalising the committees of Chinese vernacular primary schools (SJKCs) in the ongoing implementation of the jawi script. The association contends that the ministry's approach disregards the statutory authority and stakeholder role of these committees, creating a significant point of contention in educational policy.
Exclusion from Decision-Making Power

A central grievance of the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Association is that the Education Ministry has excluded SJKC committees from the decision-making process regarding the introduction of jawi. The association highlighted that current regulations place the authority solely with the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) and parents, requiring only a 51% agreement from them. This framework, according to the association, effectively denies the SJKC committees any formal power, despite their crucial role.
Undermining Sovereignty and Deterioration of SJKCs

The association argues that by sidelining the SJKC committees, the ministry is undermining their established position and weakening their sovereignty. This, they believe, poses a risk of eroding the foundations of SJKCs and potentially leading to a "crisis of deterioration" within these institutions. The committees are viewed as essential stakeholders responsible for safeguarding and maintaining Chinese education.
Legal Basis and Stakeholder Representation

The association pointed to Section 53 of the Education Act, which mandates that SJKCs must have a governing body with a chairman for management. This provision, they assert, legally establishes the school committee as the most critical representation within these institutions. Board members, representing the Chinese community and local SJKCs, are therefore considered by the association to be the rightful decision-makers for school-related matters and should not be bypassed.
Defence of SJKC Rights and Call for Dialogue

The Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Hokkien Association stated that SJKC committees have historically been at the forefront of defending the rights and interests of these schools, particularly on controversial issues. They have urged the Pakatan Harapan government to respect and acknowledge the decisions of the schools' boards of directors and Dong Zong. The association called for a fair review and correction of educational policy, advocating for adequate dialogue and discussion before implementing the jawi script introduction for Year 4 students.

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Why are Hokkien associations accusing the Education Ministry of sidelining SJKC committees?

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