RM100m to be distributed directly to SJKTs - Najib

The RM100 million annual allocation for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKTs) will now be distributed directly to the school’s management of the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this would make it easier for all improvement plans for the schools to be executed more effectively.

Giving his assurance that the government would try to maintain the allocation to upgrade facilities including building new school blocks and increase classrooms at the more than 300 SJKTs throughout the country, Najib said he wanted all these to be expedited.

"I am not happy with the implementation rate. I do not know where the mistake lies. My responsibility as also the Finance Minister is to make available the funds. By right the money should be distributed directly to the schools. Do not fight to become contractors.

"Use the most cost effective methods and get on with the job. Time is of the essence. Don't waste anymore time," he said when launching the Action Plan for the Future of Tamil Schools at a leading hotel on Saturday.

Currently, the money is to be chanelled to contractors appointed to undertake the projects.

The Prime Minister also stressed on the importance of mastering Bahasa Malaysia in SJKTs.

This was to enable their pupils to interact easily with other races when they enter secondary schools, he said.

He asked that the proficiency rate be raised further as compared to the current rate, which stands at 70 percent.

However, Najib said he was satisfied with their achievement in Science and Mathematics with the pass rate at 90 per cent now.

He said this stood in good stead for the community to see more Indians gaining entry into universities and produce more intellectuals, doctors and other professionals.

Najib said he also hoped all SJKTs would have their own kindergartens in line with the Education Ministry's goal of making pre-school education an important foundation for the education of Malaysian children.