Lingeshwaran thanks PM Anwar for RM12 million for the construction of Sungai Bakap Tamil school
KUALA LUMPUR:Â The long-delayed construction of the new SJKT Sungai Bakap facility has finally received approval to proceed, backed by a special RM12 million allocation approved by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The announcement came following an official confirmation by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek during a Dewan Negara sitting recently, responding to a query raised by Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam regarding the decade-long stall.
The redevelopment project suffered severe setbacks stemming from the mismanagement of funds in 2015, when the school’s Board of Governors (LPS) received an initial allocation of RM3.5 million. The resulting financial improprieties triggered legal proceedings from the contractor against the Ministry of Education (MOE). The ministry subsequently won the case at the Session Court level in May 2026.
Despite the protracted legal battle, the MOE maintained its push to revive the project. Under the directive of the Education Minister, the tendering process moved forward, drawing significant interest from the construction sector; 25 contractors attended the site visit, and 18 purchased tender documents.
Funding for the project will be facilitated through Syntex via Yayasan Didik Negara, an agency under the MOE. The Letter of Acceptance (SST) is expected to be officially issued to the appointed contractor in August.
In a statement released following the parliamentary response, Senator Dr Lingeshwaran expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh for their decisive intervention in resolving an issue that previous administrations failed to settle.
“This is a moment of great relief and joy, not only for the community of SJKT Sungai Bakap, but for the wider public who have awaited a resolution for nearly ten years,” Senator Lingeshwaran stated. “After facing numerous hurdles and navigating lengthy court proceedings, this project is finally becoming a reality.”
Addressing public discourse surrounding vernacular education, the Senator urged political actors to refrain from exploiting Tamil school issues for partisan gain.
“The welfare and educational future of our students must never be converted into political capital,” he added, asserting that the approval demonstrates the MADANI government’s commitment to addressing inherited structural challenges and ensuring equitable educational infrastructure across all communities.
