Kula: Dr M's call to abolish vernacular schools shows rash behaviour

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest statement calling for vernacular schools in the country to be abolished shows that he is now desperate in politics, said Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran.

Describing Mahathir's era as over, Kulasegaran questioned why he never tried to abolish vernacular schools when he was prime minister twice.

“Mahathir's statement is not surprising. He is now desperate in politics.

“Actually, when he was finance minister he once allocated funds to vernacular schools. This shows that Mahathir himself is confused," he told Malaysiakini.

According to Utusan Malaysia two days ago, Mahathir said abolishing the school was one of the best ways to bridge the gap between races in Malaysia.

However, the report also highlighted Mahathir's contradictory statement in July last year, when he said that such calls should not be given priority because they are more politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Kulasegaran (above), who is also DAP vice-chairperson, said that there was an increase in Malay students in vernacular schools, especially Chinese schools.

"If it is true that vernacular schools are not beneficial and do not foster a spirit of unity, why are Malay parents suddenly so interested in the Chinese language and Chinese schools?

"Have these students become racists because they entered a Chinese school?” he asked. - Mkini