Penang-based non-governmental organisation SOS (Save Ourselves) has denounced the Penang government for trying to evade responsibility over the SRJK Sin Chung saga in Permatang Sintok, Butterworth.

"Chief Minister (Koh Tsu Koon, photo) has missed the point. He did not answer why the state government and its land office had not transferred the land tittle to the school authorities for the past three years," said SOS spokesperson Ong Boon Keong in a statement today.

While SOS condemned the developer's "heartless action", he said the state government could not run away from its negligence either.

"We denounced the developer for demolishing (some of the school buildings) while the students were studying. But should we ignore the state government's negligence in not transferring the land tittle?" he asked.

'Take responsibility'

He questioned the motive for the delay in transferring the land tittle.

"Was the development of the school neglected because of competition between political parties? Or is it possible that someone wants the land for a different purpose, for example building a Vision School?" he said.

Last Thursday, developer Motif Era Sdn Bhd had immediately acted to demolish the school buildings after getting a Sessions Court decision in its favour.

However, only the canteen and toilets had been pulled down when the school authorities were granted a stay of execution order from the Penang High Court a few hours later.

News reports quoted Koh as reprimanding the developer for its action last Thursday and describing this as "harsh and callous".

However, Ong said Koh should take full responsibility and that an independent committee should be set up to investigate the matter

'We also want the education ministry to ensure fair allocations to Chinese schools," he added.