MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said there were still many Chinese primary schools that needed financial aid for classrooms, facilities, books and important activities.

"Chinese schools have been part of the country's education system and have existed in the country even before Merdeka. Now, 10% of students at Chinese schools are non-Chinese," he said.

Ong was witnessing the cheque presentation by ECM Libra Foundation to 12 Chinese schools here yesterday.

A total of RM600,000 were presented to SJK (C) Sungai Chua, SJK (C) Chi Wen Bahau, SJK (C) Connaught 2, SRJK (C) Perempuan Klang, SJK (C) Serdang Baru 1, SJK (C) Chen Moh Petaling Jaya, SJK (C) Sungai Way, SJK (C) Pei Chun, SRJK (C) Kg Baru Mambau, SRJK (C) Chan Wa Seremban, SMJK Perempuan Perak Ipoh, and SJK (C) Sam Chai Ipoh.

Ong said 85% of the students from Chinese primary schools would go on to government secondary schools and mingle with those from other races.

"I'm one of the products of a Chinese school, as well as many other MCA elected representatives," he said.

ECM Libra Foundation founder Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan said the company wanted to give something back to the country, which had allowed it to do very well in the past.

"We have been helping a lot of poor schools and we believe education provides a way forward for the country," he said.