Frustrated by alleged corrupt practice by principals of Chinese primary schools, one school committee has declared war and offered a reward of RM500,000 for evidence of such dealings.

SRJK(C) Chin Woo school committee (a supervisory body) chairperson Ong Koh Hou (right) claimed that the sale of textbooks, workbooks and other aids to students has facilitated kickbacks to principals.

He tried to place an advertisement in all Chinese-language dailies - intended to run for three days from Monday - to seek out whistleblowers and to offer a reward for related evidence.

However, this has run into a snag with only the Oriental Daily News publishing it to date.

According to Ong, the MCA-owned Nanyang Siang Pau and the nation's highest circulation Chinese daily Sinchew Daily have refused to publish the advertisement on grounds that it is "sensitive".

China Press has undertaken to publish the advertisement today but said it anticipates "some hurdles", said Ong.

Ong is of the opinion that the two dailies backed off because of 'business connections' with Chinese schools nationwide which require the approval of the principals.

Both Nanyang Press Holdings and Sinchew Media Corporation produce several publications that are sold in Chinese schools, while most of the Chinese newspapers also engage in a newspaper reading programme in most Chinese primary schools.

RM100 million 'missing'

The issue of allegedly corrupt school principals surfaced during an Astro talk-show on Feb 5, featuring Dong Zong chief executive officer Bock Tai Hee, DAP state assemblyperson for Sungai Pinang Teng Chang Kim and Petaling Parents Association vice-chairperson Teh Hon Seng.

They questioned the payment of commission by those selling products like textbooks or workbooks or offering services such as computer literacy classes.

Teh (left) presented a calculation of the average sums involved, showing that each student would pay RM780 for books, stationery, computer classes and tuition arranged by the school.

With 650,000 students in all Chinese schools, this would work out to about RM500 million annually. At a standard rate of 30 percent, the commission would amount to about RM100 million.

"Where has the money gone? Why is it not recorded in the accounts of the school committee or that of the Parent-Teacher Association?" Teh asked on air.

Following the broadcast, the National Union of Chinese Schools Headmasters hit back with the accusation that Dong Zong was oppressing principals in order to regain authority over the awarding of canteen tenders.

While some saw this as an attempt to divert attention from the allegation of corruption, Dong Zong responded to it. Both parties have since exchanged barbs over the canteen issue via the media, leading to their agreement to a dialogue on Friday.

Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association ) is the national association of Chinese school committees.

The school committee's main role today is to source financial support if the school does not receive sufficient assistance from the government.

While the committee has traditionally been responsible for looking after the school property and running the canteen, its powers have been whittled away over the years and transferred to the principal. This has not gone down well with the Chinese community.

Disgruntled parents

Teh, Ong and some parents have also pursued their cause against corruption by engaging more parents and members of school committees.

They held a meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Monday which was attended by some 40 parents and school committee members.

Some parents have called on members of the headmasters' union to be transparent and declare their assets.

They claimed that the competition for commission has led to schools increasing the number of workbooks to be purchased by students.

This has been described as adding to the financial burden of parents, while distorting the school system into one that is dominated by the assigning of homework. Another outcome is that school bags are becoming too heavy for primary students.

"We won't let the matter rest. Even if they (Dong Zong and the union) reconcile their differences during the dialogue, it won't mean that the problems faced by parents and students will be resolved," Teh said, at the meeting.

The union has not responded to the allegations thus far, but has welcomed the effort to expose corrupt principals.