.jpg)
When counsel asked if a police report was made for the illegal account, headmaster Chew Hock Jin stated that he did not, and that such decisions are made by the education department.
During the trial, Chew explained to the high court that government schools are only allowed to possess two bank accounts – one for government allocations and another to receive donations, reported the Malay Mail.
Chew was the third witness in the defamation case between two former parent-teacher association (PTA) presidents, Lim Jenn Shiah and plaintiff Thean Kon Fah.
While Chew was on the stand, the defence counsel raised a document containing bank details registered under the school’s name and asked whether he had knowledge of it, as well as who operated it. He was also questioned if it was opened illegally.
“This is the first time I am seeing these documents,” Chew said. “I do not know who operates the account. I am not sure if the person had opened the account illegally – that is beyond my jurisdiction.”
Later in the trial, Chew was questioned on school procedures concerning transactions with its bank accounts, and whose approval was needed for financial transactions.
“Only the headmaster and senior assistant can sign off such requests, provided it is using the permitted accounts,” Chew said.
When counsel presented documents that were approved by the school’s management, but did not bear the necessary signatures, Chew confirmed that the signatures were not by the two approving parties.
In the case, Lim claimed that he found irregularities in the school funds when he served as PTA president between 2009 to 2011. Following that, he held a press conference in October 2014 with the allegations. He was then served in 2016.
The court adjourned and set the next proceedings for 24 January.
Related stories:
Teacher questions school’s pay policies, arrested
Daim Zainuddin bemoans education system