Friday February 13, 2009

Merit, income criteria for PSD scholarship

By ROYCE CHEAH

SERDANG: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan has agreed that the Public Service Department scholarship should be awarded based only on merit and household income, after discussions with MCA leaders and community heads.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said consensus was reached at a recent meeting and that the idea would be brought to the Cabinet for further discussion.

The other leaders involved in the move were from the Indian and Sabah and Sarawak ethnic communities.

“The consensus reached also included the fact that students who qualify for the scholarships will be eligible not only for overseas study but also for local universities.”

The proposed criteria to select students based on good results and low household income ought to be strictly adhered to, Ong said at the Serdang MCA Chinese New Year open house last night which was attended by top MCA leaders such as secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng, vice-presidents Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, and Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong.

Ong also said that MCA’s goal to see more Chinese civil servants would be realised soon.

“We cannot expect this to happen overnight but I assure you that proper steps will be taken,” he said.

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