Education Dept no-show

The Star
NG SU ANN and CHRISTINA CHIN at the Penang State Assembly

THE state Education Department did not respond to invitations from the state government to attend three meetings held to plan the celebrations of George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site from tomorrow to Sunday.

“We wanted to seek the department’s consent to allow school students to take part in our heritage trail walkabout themed ‘Street of Harmony’ tomorrow,” Ng Wei Aik (DAP – Komtar) said.

“Since we have no response from the department, we only expect between 200 and 300 pre-schoolers and college students to join the walkabout,” Ng who is also the Chief Minister’s political secretary, told reporters.

Ng had brought up the issue at the State Assembly when highlighting that the Federal Government was not cooperating with the state government.

R.S.N. Rayer (DAP – Seri Delima) had interjected to say that the state exco members were also not invited to officiate at school functions.

Ng suggested that July 7 be declared as World Heritage Day in honour of George Town and Malacca’s successful listing.

He also noted that the Federal Government had not invited Penang representatives to join its tourism expos abroad.