Kuching may have a new Chinese school soon

August 3, 2014

Abang Johari (second left) and his wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang with Abdul Karim (second right) and Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin

KUCHING: The state government has earmarked a piece of land between Batu Kawa and Kota Sentosa for the construction of a Chinese medium school.

However, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who revealed this, declined to state its exact location in order to prevent land speculation.

He told reporters covering his Hari Raya visit to  Assistant Housing Minister Datuk Karim Rahman Hamzah here yesterday that the proposed project was the result of the recent dialogue session between the Chinese Middle Schools Management Board, led by its chairman Richard Wee, and Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem.

“My ministry had been briefed on the matter and we have identified a piece of land between Batu Kawa and Kota Sentosa (for the proposed school).

“We can work with the Board to raise funds (for its construction) and at the same time work out a formula to have the property under them, or have a kind of trust to look after it.”

On state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s call on Friday to the state government to develop 263.6 acres of state land along Batu Kawa into affordable flats for the poor, Abang Johari said there was nothing new to Chong’s suggestion.

“My ministry have our own plan for housing. The next question Chong will ask is where is the land for the (proposed) school located? I can’t divulge that for now as it can lead to speculation of the price of land in the area.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim commended Chong for his suggestion, but pointed out that the government was always looking at ways to provide more affordable homes for the poor.

“The housing ministry has many plans for low-cost housing, and it had identified many areas for such projects, such as in Matang, Santubong, Semariang and Batu Kawah.”