KUALA LUMPUR: Education groups such as Dong Zong and Jiao Zong have expressed hope that the Government will come up with a holistic plan for vernacular schools, especially in resolving longstanding issues such as land allocation.

“They thanked MCA for helping Chinese schools resolve the issue of teacher shortages, but hoped the Government would continue to support the multiple-stream school system,” said party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai following a dialogue between various NGOs and MCA here yesterday.

Liow had earlier chaired the party’s central committee meeting to discuss MCA’s preparations for the general election.

Other key issues raised by Chinese community leaders at the dialogue included Merdeka, Belt and Road, and Budget 2018.

“Everyone agreed that the Malaysian Chinese community should actively participate in the celebration of the 60th Merdeka by organising activities and joining the national parade on Aug 31,” said Liow after interacting with nearly 150 representatives from 40 Chinese associations and guilds in a session stretching close to three hours.

“Unlike previous dialogues, they spoke out more often,” Liow said, adding that there were many questions about China’s Belt and Road initiative, and the Digital Free Trade Zone.

He also warned investors to be aware of fraudsters such as money game operators, even those who claimed to be part of the Belt and Road initiative.

Liow said they should verify any investment information with reliable agencies such as the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, MCA’s Belt and Road Centre, or other official bodies.

“We will also work with associations to inform small and medium enterprises, and youth leaders on how to get involved in the Digital Free Trade Zone,” said Liow.

In Johor Baru on Wednesday, Liow said Singapore and Malaysia were still in discussion on the possibilities for an open tender for the development of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) connecting Johor Baru with the island republic.

-The Star-