Don’t make Chinese schools power struggle tool
Sin Chew Daily
Umno Petaling Jaya Utara division deputy head Mohamad Azli Mohemed Saad accused Chinese primary schools of becoming hotbed for the Opposition to spread racial and anti-government sentiments and thus, suggested that the Umno general assembly next month should discuss closing down Chinese primary schools. Even outrageously, Cheras Umno division chief Datuk Seri Syed Ali Al Habshee reiterated the call to abolish Chinese vernacular schools, claiming that multi-stream education system is a breeding ground for racial discord. Although the remarks are extremely absurd, they are still agreed and supported by the Peninsular Malay Students Federation (GPMS) and Malay rights group Perkasa, reflecting the arrogant attitude and narrow extreme thinking of some Umno members.
It is not uncommon to see politicians manipulate Chinese education issues to gain political capital. However, remarks unfavourable to Chinese education have become increasingly intense in recent years. From former Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Mohd Noor Abdullah’s suggestion of including Chinese education into the national school curriculum which teaches all languages; to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim’s remarks calling for no more request to build Chinese primary schools and now, Azli’s remarks to abolish Chinese primary schools, apparently, they are not isolated cases.
Singularism has been lingering in Umno and it is harmful to Umno, as well as the BN. It could even destroy national unity. Even worse, advanced and more competitive countries have encouraged its people to master multiple languages in this era of globalisation, but our politicians are still embracing extreme singularism. It is indeed worrisome whether Malaysia can really turn into a developed country.
Chinese primary schools are an important part of the national education system. Its teacher sources, syllabuses and teaching materials are all in line with the Education Ministry’s curriculum. Just like national primary schools, the syllabuses of Chinese primary schools are promoting racial harmony and instilling loyalty, as well as patriotism. It is shameful for politicians to make accusations out of nothing and frame Chinese primary schools as hotbed of anti-government sentiments, just to gain political capital.
Article 152(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution clearly stated that “no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language.” Moreover, among the current 600,000 Chinese primary school students, 15 per cent, or 80,000 of students are non-Chinese. The figure shows that Chinese primary schools are not a stumbling block to national unity, but schools cultivating national talents and attracting students of various races.
It is always the time for raising sensitive issues before the annual Umno general assembly is convened. Some people try to act like a hero while some people make troubles, with different intentions. But the acts of stirring racial issues have always stimulated the nerves of Chinese community. This time, its grassroots leaders made Chinese primary schools as their target. Apparently, there are other motives behind it, reflecting that the internal power struggle of Umno has been intensified and the storm is approaching.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad sternly criticised Najib in his blog not long ago, declaring withdrawal of his support to Najib. The move was like sending a clear message to Umno grassroots that they may openly challenge Najib during the general assembly in November. Although he has stepped down, Mahathir is still influential. The intention of pressuring Najib is obvious when his minions raise the “abolish Chinese primary schools” issue at this period of time.
The remarks made by Umno grassroots leaders, of course, cannot represent the government’s stand. However, the “abolish Chinese primary schools” issue has touched the sensitive nerve of Chinese community, triggering resentment and indignation. Najib and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister, must not remain silent. Instead, they should publicly defend the status of Chinese primary schools to prevent the issue from being expanded. In addition, the authorities should also invoke the Sedition Act to investigate and bring Azli and others involved to court, to set an example and eliminate extreme racist remarks.
