KKB BY-ELECTION | Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung has called out PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari over the claim that the latter’s party had never opposed the existence of vernacular schools in the country and merely wanted reforms.
In a statement today, Lee said the Pasir Mas MP’s recent statement was a lie.
“I was surprised to read the statement by Fadhli that for PAS, vernacular schools are not an issue and PAS has never opposed vernacular schools, saying that they can exist but with some reforms,” he added.
He gave several examples in which the Islamist party had called for the abolition of vernacular schools.
“Voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu must be wary of the twisted words of PAS and PN leaders who supposedly want to protect their (voters) interests just to get their votes in this by-election,” Lee warned.
Among the examples he cited was a June 22, 2019, Sinar Harian article titled “Abolish the vernacular education system - PAS” which quoted PAS Women deputy head Salamiah Md Nor, who said:
(i) “PAS urges the Pakatan Harapan government to abolish the vernacular education system in this country because the policies involved do not contribute to racial unity.”
(ii) “As a representative of the PAS women’s wing, I call and expect the Harapan government to take action and stop vernacular education.”
(iii) “We see that this system does not bring closer the gap of understanding between the races.”
Malay Dignity Congress, Harakah Daily
Lee also cited then Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jaba who on June 26, 2019, issued an official statement on Facebook stating that the Pahang PAS Liaison Body fully supports Salamiah’s statements and recommendations and urged the Harapan government to abolish the vernacular education system.
He then drew attention to the Malay Dignity Congress in 2019, which was attended by PAS’ top leaders.
“The top leaders of PAS, including its president, deputy president, and Fadhli himself attended the Malay Dignity Congress on Oct 6, 2019, and recited the ‘Sumpah Anak Watan’ en masse, one of which was ‘to promote a single education system’ in line with the Education Cluster resolution presented by a representative from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Nurul Fatin Aqilah Rahim, who demanded that vernacular schools be abolished,” Lee said.
He also pointed to an article in the official party organ Harakah Daily published on Sept 12, 2020, titled “Abolish the implementation of the vernacular school system”.
It quoted the Malacca PAS young women’s wing director, Hazirah Isa, who said:
(i) “ PAS Women urges the government to abolish the implementation of the vernacular school system, which is seen as not fostering unity.”
(ii) “Only single-stream schools can educate and foster national integration among the next generation who will inherit this country.”
(iii) “PAS Women should be consistent in defending its position on this issue. We don’t want to be involved in the Perikatan Nasional agreement and then be seen to be subservient on this issue.”
Harapan consistent in vernacular education
Lee said the examples he cited contradict Fadhli’s recent declaration and questioned if the party ignored Hazirah’s call not to bow to PN on the issue.
“In contrast to PAS, which often talks convolutedly and pawns the principles of the struggle according to its political convenience, Harapan and PKR, let alone DAP, have always been consistent in the issue of vernacular schools.
“Even when we were together with PAS (in Pakatan Rakyat), we remained against any call to abolish vernacular schools,” Lee added.
He then cited two articles involving Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, one by The Malaysian Insider on June 20, 2013, with the title “Anwar: Focus on unity, there is no need to abolish vernacular schools” which quoted Anwar as saying:
(i) “There is no need to change the vernacular schooling system because it has been accepted since the 1950-60s as one of the national education policies.”
(ii) “The Razak, Talib Statement and the National Education Act have recognised the vernacular school system. Since then, it has been developed and accepted as one of the National Education Policy.”
(iii) “The government should focus on national unity and the quality of national education.”
The second was a piece on Malaysiakini from June 22, 2019, titled “Anwar: Other languages are also important for developing M’sia” in which Anwar criticised PAS Women’s recommendation that vernacular schools be abolished.
Anwar said: “Malay is the national and official language but some other languages (can) be developed. If Malaysia wants to progress, apart from the official language that is accepted by all, then English, Chinese, and other languages are important and benefit us.” - Mkini
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