THE MCA president has challenged Lim Guan Eng to a debate, following the finance minister’s remarks that Putrajaya will resume funding for Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) only when the party relinquishes control over the institution.

“As long as I am president, I will be here to protect TAR UC,” Wee Ka Siong told the MCA annual general meeting at the party’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

“All our members and the Chinese community in general will safeguard this institution.”

Guan Eng last month said there were plans for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Alumni Association (TAA) to manage the money for TAR UC via a trust fund.

It was proposed that the trust be set up as soon as possible, he had said, adding that TAA comprised successful former TAR UC students and a representative from the Finance Ministry.

“The trust will manage the funds every year without the involvement of the government or any political party, whether MCA or from Pakatan Harapan.”

RM30 million in funding for this year will be paid to the trust once it has been set up, and another RM30 million will be given next year.

Wee said neither Guan Eng, his father, Lim Kit Siang, or their party, DAP, has donated a single sen to TAR UC, and warned them to stay out of the varsity’s affairs.

Guan Eng had said the money in the trust fund could be disbursed to TAR UC on the condition that MCA gave up ownership and administrative control, and positions on the institution’s boards of trustees and governors.

He added that not giving public funds to entities controlled by political parties was a worldwide practice to prevent corruption, abuse of power and conflict of interest.

Funding for TAR UC is a sensitive issue for the Chinese, as the 50-year-old institution established by MCA provides scholarships to many poor students from the community. – December 1, 2019.