NGOs: Not a single Tamil school left out

By S Rutra

KUALA LUMPUR:  Not a single Tamil school in Selangor was left out in the programmes carried out by the three NGOs, which were given RM1.6 million by the state government.Coordinator of the programmes K  Arumugam told FMT that at least two programmes were held at each of the 97 schools in the state and were carried out between June 2009 and March this year.

He said out of the RM1.6 million allocation, RM464,785 was utilised for programmes initiated by the Tamil Foundation, RM558,293 by the Educational Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF) and RM613,622 by the Child Information Learning Development Centre (Child).

Arumugam said besides focusing on standard four to six pupils, several programmes were drafted for pre-school children as well.

Between (June 2009 and March 2010), four progress reports were submitted to Menteri Besar  Khalid Ibrahim, including audited reports of how the funds were utilised and for what programmes.

"We had been informed by the MB's office that all out reports were tabled at the state exco meeting and copies were given to all exco members.

"We were also told that the MB was pleased with  how the money was spent and even last Saturday's meeting with the Parents-Teachers Associations chairmen was arranged by his office to provide them with more details on this matter," said Arumugam.

He said PTA chairmen who want further clarification could approach the MB's office.

Money came in stages
Arumugam revealed that the total cost for the programmes was RM2.3 million, and the NGOS had raised the balance amount on their own.

Explaining the programmes, he said the first step was to run a survey of all 97 schools in terms of land status, logistic needs and academic achievement.

He said the money was never paid directly to any schools or PTAs but was utilised by the NGOs for the programmes.

"It's wrong to have the impression that the NGOs were given RM1.6 million in cash, the money was paid in stages based on the progress reports submitted to the state government," he added.

Arumugam said the state government had allocated RM4 million, where RM2.4 million was directly chanelled to the schools.

He also disclosed that the state government had allocated another RM1.7 million to continue the programmes and the three NGOs were working towards how to utilise the funds more effectively without compromising on the quality of the programmes.

Arumugam also denied that the NGOs were biased in selecting schools for the programmes, adding that schools with lesser programmes during the first phase would be given priority during the second phase.

On the allegation by PKR Kapar MP S Manikavasagam that only one school in his constituency benefited from the programmes, Arumugam said the MP should check his facts first.

"Manikavasagam can get the details from the state government, we have been answerable to every single sen we had spent," he said.

Meanwhile, EWRF adviser S Pasupathi told FMT that last Saturday's rowdy meeting would not deter the NGOs from serving the community.

"We are committed and nobody can stop us. We are genuine with no personal agenda,” he said.