The Save Our School (SOS) committee for the controversial Chinese school SJK(C) Damansara is planing to expand its campaign to candidates for the upcoming Indera Kayangan by-election in Perlis.

"We will be asking the candidates on polling day to endorse our appeal to reopen the school. And whoever endorses it, we will support," said SOS advisor Ronnie Liu today.

According to Liu, who is also DAP national publicity chief, at least one bus-load of residents from the villages around the school as well as SOS committee members would be going up to Perlis where the by-election is expected to be held in early February.

"We welcome members from any party to endorse our appeal and it would be a good opportunity to explain to people why we need to reopen the school," Liu added.

Mother-tongue education

It is also believed that educationists from an influential Chinese education group will also be going to Perlis to campaign for mother-tongue education.

The Chinese educationists were also present during last year's Lunas by-elections in Kedah giving Keadilan candidate Saifuddin Nasution a considerable boost which resulted in his victory.

Early this year, students from the school were directed by the Education Ministry to temporarily transfer to SRJK (C) Puay Chai (II) - a few kilometres away - while awaiting the completion of a new school in Tropicana.

The majority of students have since moved to Puay Chai (II).

However, 74 remained at the old school. The police then barred them from entering the school building.

The student were then forced to continue lessons in containers near the site of the school with the help of volunteer teachers,.

Liu told malaysiakini that SOS has applied to the authorities to allow students back into the old school for classes.

No security

"Two weeks ago we went into the school to clean it as it has not been maintained. It has been broken into twice and there has been no security provided. Not using it would be a waste," Liu said.

According to him, the committee as well as the children's parents are seriously considering entering the school compound even if the authorities do not concede to their request.

So far, eight of the school children have graduated with promises of scholarships to attend independent Chinese schools.

Earlier in November, the SRJK (C) Damansara students, their parents and the SOS committee were honoured with an award from human rights group Suaram for their efforts in remaining with the school.