Wan Fayhsal should cherish diversity in education

MP SPEAKS | The unwarranted statement by Bersatu Youth Chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal on the need to abolish vernacular schools to better promote unity, runs smack against freedom of education practiced in Malaysia since Independence in 1957.

It is against the racial unity which has been forged by various races of the nation, as it was never proven that vernacular schools were disruptive to national unity nor failed to produce students who were nationalistic.

Vernacular schools have not only contributed to the growth of the “mother-tongue” of various races but the products of these schools have become national leaders, serving the nation for years.

Their contribution to nation-building should be celebrated and not condemned for being a 'disruption' to national unity.

I wish to reiterate that politicians should not use the race and religion card to further their respective political agendas.

It was needless for the Bersatu Youth chief to issue such a statement as the system used now has been in practice for decades and in all this time, never once has it been proven that vernacular schools failed to forge national unity or neglected Bahasa Malaysia.

In fact, the products of these vernacular schools have made Malaysia proud with their various ventures overseas, such as in Science Fairs and Mathematics competitions, and have stood out as national icons with their achievements.

My fear is that some politicians are taking the political path of using the race and religion card just to gain the support of a certain segment of the Malaysian community which is against the social fabric of the nation.

I wish to advise these politicians to avoid this tactic as it endangers the peace and unity we have cultivated in this beloved nation for years.

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M SARAVANAN is the human resources minister, Tapah MP, and deputy president of MIC. - Mkini

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