Invest in childcare, not elite nurseries, DAP tells Kemas

GEORGE TOWN – DAP Wanita head and Penang exco member Chong Eng is the latest Pakatan Harapan lawmaker to disapprove of Kemas’ plan to set up elite pre-schools, saying it will widen the gap between the rich and the working class.

She said the government should withdraw such a proposal, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of many people.

“If it is a private venture, it is okay, because we have a free market. However, if it is operated by the government, it is a waste of resources.”

“I would prefer it if the federal government provides childcare facilities to those who need it.

“Even setting up special schools for those with learning difficulties is a better use of resources as the government should aid the needs of the majority first,” she said during the first mentoring session for the Penang Women Entrepreneur Mentoring Programme yesterday.

Chong echoed former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and former deputy women, family and community development minister Hannah Yeoh had said previously.

Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad had said the elite nurseries proposed were for parents with the financial ability to pay higher fees.

Current Kemas nurseries cost between RM5 and RM25 monthly.

Public preschools were first established in the early 1970s to provide early education opportunities for lower-income groups.

“After nearly 30 years in operation, the number of applications to join is on the rise, especially the M40 group,” he said in a statement.

Chong’s state portfolio

In an interview with The Vibes, Chong Eng shared about her renamed executive council portfolio, Social Development.

She said this portfolio has a broader scope as opposed to the Women, Family Development and Gender Inclusiveness portfolio she held before.

“For women, family is very important, and many mothers are tied down by their children, no matter how educated they are. In order for women to go to work, or stay at their workplace, they need a support system. So with this expanded portfolio, I’ll be able to look into childcare, because childcare is a social development facility.”

The Penang government will also be looking to provide grants for nurseries in the state. – The Vibes, October 4, 2020