KL school not allowed as Karpal memorial venue
Kow Gah ChiePublished: Apr 23, 2014 5:39 AM | Updated: Apr 23, 2014 3:28 PM
The Education Department has rejected the use of a school in Kuala Lumpur for a memorial service for former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh as this is perceived as a political event.
The Education Department has rejected the use of a school in Kuala Lumpur for a memorial service for former DAP chairperson Karpal Singh as this is perceived as a political event.
The memorial service was scheduled to be held tomorrow night at SJK(C) Chung Kwo near Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur, said acting DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai.
"I am saddened to say the venue was rejected by the Education Department.
"My understanding is that the headmaster was told that, as this is a political event, it can’t be held on the school premises," Tan (right in photo) told a press conference today.
He said he was alerted to this by a director of the school board this morning, and that the principal later confirmed the information.
Tan said the DAP had applied to use the hall last Monday and that the school had agreed to this.
The venue was chosen for its convenient location near the city centre, and it is also the biggest school hall in Kuala Lumpur as it can accommodate 5,000 people, he said.
DAP has since been able to secure a new venue at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, which can accommodate 2,000 people. The event will begin at 8pm tomorrow.
"One of the gravest threats to citizens is the BN government. Ordinary people are sometimes denied their fundamental rights to access and use public property including school halls," Tan said.
He said Pakatan Rakyat’s elected representatives have often been denied the use of public amenities in school, and sometimes barred from visiting schools.
"But to deny us (a place to hold) this memorial service is certainly unbecoming of the government. This is not a political event. This is an occasion for people to mourn, recollect and pay tribute to a great Malaysian, a true patriot of the country.
"Karpal Singh has become a nightmare to the BN but it’s unthinkable that even after his passing, he remains a force that terrifies the BN.”
Ironically, he said, the RM10 million school hall was built by the parents of students and the community. The DAP had helped to raise RM1.5million “while the government didn't come up with any allocation”.
Tan also said the party's stand on proposed implementation of hudud law has not changed.
"Karpal's stance has always been the DAP's stance. He has always reiterate that. Thus, there should be no issue," said party organising secretary Anthony Loke.
He said there should not be any misunderstanding that the DAP's stance is different from that of Karpal.
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The memorial service was scheduled to be held tomorrow night at SJK(C) Chung Kwo near Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur, said acting DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai.
"I am saddened to say the venue was rejected by the Education Department.
"My understanding is that the headmaster was told that, as this is a political event, it can’t be held on the school premises," Tan (right in photo) told a press conference today.He said he was alerted to this by a director of the school board this morning, and that the principal later confirmed the information.
Tan said the DAP had applied to use the hall last Monday and that the school had agreed to this.
The venue was chosen for its convenient location near the city centre, and it is also the biggest school hall in Kuala Lumpur as it can accommodate 5,000 people, he said.
DAP has since been able to secure a new venue at the KL and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, which can accommodate 2,000 people. The event will begin at 8pm tomorrow.
"One of the gravest threats to citizens is the BN government. Ordinary people are sometimes denied their fundamental rights to access and use public property including school halls," Tan said.
He said Pakatan Rakyat’s elected representatives have often been denied the use of public amenities in school, and sometimes barred from visiting schools.
"But to deny us (a place to hold) this memorial service is certainly unbecoming of the government. This is not a political event. This is an occasion for people to mourn, recollect and pay tribute to a great Malaysian, a true patriot of the country.
"Karpal Singh has become a nightmare to the BN but it’s unthinkable that even after his passing, he remains a force that terrifies the BN.”
Ironically, he said, the RM10 million school hall was built by the parents of students and the community. The DAP had helped to raise RM1.5million “while the government didn't come up with any allocation”.
Tan also said the party's stand on proposed implementation of hudud law has not changed.
"Karpal's stance has always been the DAP's stance. He has always reiterate that. Thus, there should be no issue," said party organising secretary Anthony Loke.
He said there should not be any misunderstanding that the DAP's stance is different from that of Karpal.
Related stories
Court: Karpal's death no excuse to delay Sodomy II
KL school not allowed as Karpal memorial venue
Karpal Singh a political man of his times
Zaid: Post-Karpal, DAP left meek on hudud
Soi Lek: MCA 'helpless' as hudud Bill looms
PKR denies holding prayers for 'martyr' Karpal
Penang Islamic authorities back hudud move
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