'Chinese school teacher treated me kindly, like an adopted child'

Vernacular schools have once again made headlines with some quarters claiming that they are a barrier to racial unity.

However, with the increasing number of non-Chinese students at these schools, several former and current students have shared their differing experiences studying there.

One such former student, Sharvill Raj had a positive time while studying at a Chinese vernacular school as he was not treated any differently including by teachers.

The 26-year-old never felt sidelined, especially by students of other races, and had many fond memories from his time at SJK(C) Ping Ming in Johor Bahru.

"In fact, a teacher even treated me like her adopted child," he said.

Sharvill also recounted that he preferred speaking Mandarin in school as it was easier for him to understand.

Recently, academic Teo Kok Seong claimed that unity is difficult to achieve when Chinese students only mingle among themselves due to the mastery of their mother tongue, sparking debates.

However, another former student, Faezal Mukhtar, from SJK(C) Masai in Johor, said aside from Mandarin, Chinese students also used Malay and English as they were taught these languages in class.

"They (Chinese students) even provided assistance (to other students) in mastering Mandarin without any prejudice in class," said the 24-year-old, adding that he still keeps in touch with schoolmates despite most having entered the workforce.

Similarly, Jon Galimam, who is studying in a Chinese vernacular school in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, said other languages were also used despite Mandarin being the primary language among students.

Galimam shared he’s enjoying his time there with other students at the school, including those of other races.

Among the exciting moments include celebrating Chinese New Year when he got to witness lion dances and received ang pau from schoolmates, he said.

‘Individual’s problem, not institution’s’

Former student Jesmine Nur also denied the perception that Chinese schools breed racism, although she had some unpleasant experiences studying there.

However, for the 23-year-old, it was more of an individual problem and not one stemming from the institution.

"As a prefect, I was once called a 'stupid Malay' by naughty Chinese students because I reprimanded them for untidy uniforms.

"But if we want to link it to race, all naughty students are the same regardless of race," she told Malaysiakini.

On Feb 19, Berita Harian reported that National Union of Teaching Profession deputy president Abd Ghani Zainudin said more Malay parents are choosing Chinese schools to allow their children to learn Mandarin.

Ghani also cited good school facilities as another factor making these schools an attractive choice. - Mkini