STATE Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu is optimistic about resolving land matters involving Tamil schools.
Sundarajoo, who is also the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee chairman, said with assurance that the remaining schools facing land issues will see solutions.
“There are numerous things that need to be done for Tamil schools in Penang, most importantly to ensure that Tamil schools can secure ownership of their land.
“We (state government) have succeeded in securing land ownership for several Tamil schools, and we are confident that the remaining five schools will also be able to secure their land.
“If we achieve this, then Penang will be the only state in Malaysia where every Tamil school owns its land,” Sundarajoo said during his speech at SJKT Permatang Tinggi’s pongal celebration today.
Meanwhile, SJKT Permatang Tinggi headmaster A. Sathiveloo has proposed the construction of a larger, open school hall to accommodate the entire student body.
He highlighted that, at present, students gather within the school compound and are seated on the road during assemblies, as the current hall is insufficient to accommodate the entire student body.
“We hope YB Datuk Seri Sundarajoo will give due consideration to our appeal to construct the new school hall and support us in bringing it to fruition,” he said.
In response to Sathiveloo’s request, Sundarajoo, the Perai assemblyman, assured that the proposed plan would be carried out with unity and collective support.
The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman A.Krishnan highlighted the need to resurface the road in the school car park area, as well as to expand it.
In addition, Sundarajoo stressed the importance of unity among Indians, urging them to set aside differences, as collective strength lies in being united.
Apart from that, Sundarajoo shared that the allocation provided by the state government is disbursed through an efficient system, ensuring that it cannot be misused.
The Pongal celebration at SJKT Permatang Tinggi was held in a grand manner, featuring performances such as Mayilattam (peacock dance), Karagattam (water pot dance), and Kollattam (stick dance).
Another highlight of the event was that students were given the chance to enjoy short bullock cart rides, with Sundarajoo and other dignitaries also participating.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of SJKT Permatang Tinggi