Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa (above) said the party's Kemayan assemblyperson Mohd Fadli Osman's comment likening students in Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools to 'pendatang' (foreigners) was his personal view.
"The party headquarters understands that an assemblyperson has certain freedom and immunity to voice out and give their views during the state assembly sitting.
"However, it should be reminded that the Kemayan assemblyperson's speech was purely his personal view and certainly does not represent the party's policy or stance," he said in a statement today.
Annuar stressed that Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools are guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and national education policy.
"Umno and BN will also continue to defend the position of Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools.
"Therefore, leaders are reminded to respect the policy that has been agreed upon by past leaders and not question them in a manner that sends the wrong message or confuses.
"It is hoped that such confusion will not repeat in future," he said.
Annuar added that a letter would be sent to Mohd Fadli on the matter.
"It is hoped that no quarter will take advantage to cause further confusion in relation to the Kemayan state assemblyperson's personal statement," he said.
Mohd Fadli, during the Pahang state assembly sitting, claimed that students in Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools were not fluent in the national language.
He added that while they were Malaysians, they behaved like "pendatang".
"Pendatang" is sometimes used as a slur against non-Malays suggesting that they are a lesser citizen.
Yesterday, Mohd Fadli said his statement was merely based on a previous news report which quoted academic Teo Kok Seong stating that a majority of Chinese school graduates were not fluent in the national language. - Mkini
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