Shutting vernacular schools doesn’t do anything, Bersatu man tells Rina

 

Bersatu’s associate wing chief Chong Fat Full said national schools must protect the interests and sensitivities of students from minority communities.

PETALING JAYA: Bersatu’s associate wing has voiced disagreement with Wanita Bersatu chief Rina Harun over her remarks on vernacular schools during the party’s annual general assembly yesterday.

Associate wing chief Chong Fat Full said shutting down vernacular schools would not resolve any issues and would only complicate matters.

“Malaysia is a unique country and we are proud of our various cultures, religions, languages and practices.

“The national unity policy states that national unity is achieved through integration, not assimilation. The latest trends show that many among the Malays and Bumiputeras in East Malaysia are also sending their children to vernacular schools.

“This is because they feel that being able to master an additional language would benefit their children in the future,” he said in a statement today.

While he agreed that the standard of education in national schools should be improved, Chong said its failure to attract non-Malay students, and even several Malay students, should not be blamed on vernacular schools.

He maintained that he believed national schools would be able to attract all students with the government’s help.

“At the same time, national schools must protect the interests and sensitivities of minorities studying there, in terms of dressing, food – especially during the Ramadan month – and others.

“The associate wing respects the Wanita Bersatu chief’s views and holds to the principle of agreeing to disagree.

“We thank Rina for raising this issue at the general assembly with good intentions. We are confident that there will be more of such intellectual discourse that would benefit all,” he said.

FMT has reached out to Rina for comment. - FMT