Why pick on vernacular schools when talking of unity, asks PKR man

 

PKR deputy information chief G Manivannan told Bung Moktar Radin not to pick on vernacular schools alone when talking about the need for greater unity in the country.

PETALING JAYA: Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin has been slammed over his proposal for a Sekolah Keluarga Malaysia, or a unity school.

PKR’s G Manivannan said Bung’s proposal for such a school did not address other elements, such as the imbalance in welfare and economic assistance, racism, racial threats and religious insults in the country.

The party’s deputy information chief also questioned why politicians always referred to vernacular schools when talking about unity.

In a statement, Manivannan said unity can be encouraged through Acts and policies and will only become a reality if implemented properly.

In proposing the formation of unity schools, Bung told the Dewan Rakyat that the present policy of separating children according to the different types of schools was unhealthy.

Manivannan said the Barisan Nasional federal government and its allies seemed to be running out of ideas to cultivate a true sense of unity.

“Reflect on yourself.

“As a leader, spell out thoughtful and rational ideas which can be accepted by all levels of society, without hurting them.”

He said enacting a National Unity and Harmony Act may be a step in the right direction.

“We need an inclusive, clear and transparent Act to preserve harmony and unity among the various races,” he said.

Manivannan also proposed a Religious Tolerance Act to foster harmony and respect for all religions.

Recently, Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh challenged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to table a Race Relations Act if he was serious about his Malaysian Family concept. - FMT