The opponents of Chinese-medium schools need some new lines. Like that we don't need any more schools that are identified by race. There should only be two types of schools and they are public schools and private schools.

Public schools are the nation's lifeline. If something is wrong with it, please fix it. There is simply no argument at all to support a certain type of school because it has purportedly created better exam-oriented students.

The public education system educates millions, including those who cannot pay a monthly fee. I am particularly angered by the separatist nature of some Chinese education proponents that try to milk more money out of a community rather than seeking to integrate Mandarin into the curriculum nationwide.

If we really care about education, we should seek for a total improvement of the system and not go after divisive solutions. There is only room for one national education system and there has to be uniformity in the schools whether the language medium is English, Malay or Mandarin.

Schools which are not performing should be reviewed and the root of the problem addressed. Nowadays, you hear a bunch of novel excuses that 'Chinese' schools are more important what with the corresponding rise of China as a global player (and with it, many new economic

opportunities).

How absurd.

The rise and fall of nations is no basis for the choice of a language medium for our public education system. We should stick to whatever language we can work with rather than trying to convert generations of Malaysians to be more British, Japanese, American, Indian or Chinese.

Goodness, I really hope India doesn't rise to pre-eminence too quickly as I don't want to have to send my children to be educated in a foreign language just because some people think it is good for business. No offence to Tamil and Hindi, but I think it is sheer foolishness to justify a language medium on such a short-sighted basis.

Yes, this is the best time to encourage Malaysians to pick up Mandarin. How fortunate for us that many of the public schools cater to this need with the Pupils Own Language (POL) classes.

But 'Chinese' schools? Well, Srivijaya is a beautiful name, but even I dare not try to guess it in 'han yu pin yin' (Mandarin pronunciation).