JOHOR BARU: Schools in Johor should look at how Chinese vernacular schools source maintenance funds from the private sector, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic).
The Mentri Besar added that he had visited many schools in the state and there was no denying that Chinese vernacular schools were the best at maintaining their buildings.
“They do get financial allocation from the government but at the same time, Chinese schools also receive help from entrepreneurs who are their former students," he said in his speech at the state-level Islamic religious teachers' day celebration in Ulu Tiram here on Wednesday (July 24).
“This is why I am suggesting that schools, including Islamic religious schools, in Johor set up their own alumni associations.
“Sekolah Tun Fatimah (STF) and English College (Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar) have initiated (such associations) and within three to four months, they were able to raise about RM1mil from their former students,” he added.
The Machap assemblyman added he was confident that many people wanted to strengthen the role of Islamic religious schools in Johor but did not know the proper way to do so.
“There are many successful Johoreans out there who want to help their former schools.
"Having an alumni association will give them a channel for this,” he said.
