PENANG: DAP donates RM1 million towards the development fund of Han Chiang University College of Communication, the first time and the largest sum of donation from the DAP so far, in aid of Chinese education.

DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke Siew Fook handed over the mock cheque to Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping, executive adviser of the university college.

The donation is made to thank the Chinese community in Penang for giving the mandate and support to DAP and Pakatan Rakyat in 2008, when the opposition coalition took over the state government of Penang.

One of the factors contributing to DAP’s landslide victory in 2008 was a mass rally attended by 100,000 Penangites at Han Chiang then.

Loke, in his speech, said the rally brought changes to Penang, and DAP was indebted to Han Chiang.

“Without the 2008 rally held at Han Chiang Hall, the DAP would not have been here today,” said Loke.

Also present at the cheque handover ceremony were DAP Chairman Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim, Penang executive councillors, state assemblymen and others.

Penang Han Chiang Associated Chinese Schools Association board of directors chairman Datuk Seri Ooi Soo Hing thanked Loke for the donation and praised the latter for keeping his words.

Han Chiang performed a ground-breaking ceremony on 5 August for its new building and announced that it required RM70 million for the development plan.

It has raised RM46 million so far, including RM8 million from Ooi’s family.