Sabah speaker: Call to abolish vernacular schools ‘extreme’

(The Star) – The call to abolish all vernacular schools has been condemned by Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said, as they have long been a part and parcel of the national education system.

“Any proposal to abolish vernacular schools is an extreme or outrageous view,” said the Sabah Legislative Assembly Speaker at the Lok Yuk Kindergarten Jinshan’s 20-year anniversary celebration and opening of its RM150,000 games hall building, financed by the Federal Government in Kota Belud.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had previously given assurance that vernacular schools would continue to be a part of the education system.

“Vernacular schools play an important role in providing educational opportunities to all groups in the Malaysian society, especially in Sabah which is multi-ethnic and multi-religious,” he said, adding that Bumiputera students commonly study in vernacular schools there.

In October, several Barisan Nasional leaders came forward to defend vernacular schools, claiming that in addition to educating children on their mother tongue, it also serves as a ground to encourage mutual respect and understanding among a multi-racial society.

Deputy Petaling Jaya Utara Umno chief Mohamad Azli Mohemed Saad had earlier called for a discussion on the abolishment of vernacular schools during the party’s general assembly.

On Thursday, deputy MCA president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the Government had no intention of closing down vernacular schools.

Wee, who is also a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, had said that Chinese schools were a part of the country’s legacy as they had been operating even before independence.