Lim: Public funding for TAR UC can resume only if MCA lets go

Putrajaya will provide at least RM30 million in funding for Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) from 2019 onwards only if MCA relinquishes control of the institution.

In a statement today, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said this condition must be met in order for the Pakatan Harapan administration to fulfil its commitment to institutional reforms, which include separating public funding and political parties.

"For this reason, public funding cannot be given to institutions that are controlled by political parties.

"This basic principle of public accountability is practiced in all democratic countries in the world and respected by all political parties in Malaysia, including the opposition parties, except for MCA," said Lim.

Lim, who is also the finance minister, said funding for TAR UC can be resumed when the institution is run by professionals and not MCA.

In view of this, he urged MCA not to be "selfish" and hand over reigns of the institution to the TAR UC alumni association.

"This is not only my personal stand but also endorsed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"The latest endorsement is in writing by the prime minister on Oct 15 and confirmed on Oct 21.

"Let me reiterate again that the government has no interest or intention of taking control of TAR UC as claimed by the lies in the biggest mainstream Chinese and English media that are controlled by MCA," said Lim.