SCHOOLS IN VICINITY OF PALEMBANG ROAD (Demolition)

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Minister for Education whether existing schools in the vicinity of the present Palembang Housing Estate will be demolished as a result of urban renewal. and whether there are plans to build new schools in the area.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Lee Chiaw Meng) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker. Sir, my Ministers has not been informed whether any school in the vicinity of Palembang Road which is in Precinct North I, has been earmarked for demolition. However, I would like to assure the Member for Crawford that my Ministry will adhere to the principle of rebuilding schools to replace those to be demolished in areas where the number of pupils does not decline as a result of urban renewal projects. The Member for Crawford may like to know also that recently we have reserved a site for a primary school in that locality.

Mr Low Yong Nguan: Mr Speaker. Sir, can the Minister of State for Education assure us that if the school to he demolished is an aided school, then an aided school will be rebuilt from funds raised from the public? Or will only a Government school be rebuilt to accommodate the students?

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Mr Speaker. Sir, each case will he considered on its own merits, even in respect of aided schools. It depends on the demand of that locality.