THE open tender system will resume for electrical and mechanical works for projects carried out by the Works Ministry, said its minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed.

In a written reply to Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN - Kulai), he said bumiputra contractors would have to compete with others and only be given priority in terms of price.

"This is in line with the government's objective to develop agenuine and successful bumi-putra industrial and commercial community. Thus, the issue raised by Yang Berhormat from Kulai should no longer be raised."

Mohd Zin said the Government had on April 23 revoked the order, which was in place since August last year to give bumiputra contractors priority.

Ong had asked why only bumiputra contractors were offered the jobs, which resulted in dissatisfaction among non-bumiputra contractors.

On another question, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the Education Ministry was willing to channel financial aid required by Chinese vernacular schools provided there were adequate allocations.

"The ministry is sensitive to the needs of schools managed by the Government, whether national or vernacular schools.

"It provides allocations to all types of schools including Chi-nese and Tamil vernacular schools," he said in a written reply to Ong.

He said that on Jan 31, the ministry had also in principle allowed the construction of six Chinese vernacular schools and relocated 13 such schools.

"The matter is still at its early stage and the ministry needs to study the construction of the Chinese vernacular schools taking into consideration the proposed locations," he said.

Ong had asked whether the ministry was prepared to build new Chinese vernacular schools systematically in view of the urgent need for such schools in urban areas and ensure that the Government bears the full cost of construction.