The education minister came to the rescue of Jerlun MP Mukhriz Mahathir today over his recent statement on vernacular schools which has stirred up controversy in recent days.

Hishammuddin Hussein explained that Mukhriz was misinterpreted when he stated in Parliament on Monday that vernacular and mainstream schools should be integrated into one system.

tun razak seminar 150607 hishammuddin He pointed out that Mukhriz's comment on the 'schools under one system' was made polemic by certain irresponsible quarters claiming that Mukhriz had incited racial sentiments.

The minister explained that the education system has two streams, one made up of mainstream schools and another which comprises Chinese, Tamil, mission and religious schools.

He said the profile of students in vernacular schools goes beyond a single race and religion, as chil dren of other faiths also attend such schools.

“The motive of the statement was to encourage solidarity but we link it to racial incitement ... when there are two streams of schools that cross all religions, it is not possible to misinterpret (what Muhkriz, right, said) in such a manner,” Hishammuddin told a press conference at the Parliament lobby .

“I am of the opinion that the one system suggestion is something that has been discussed since Independence and it is an idealistic notion ... but looking at our historical context we have maintained the two factions."

Unique requirements

mukhriz mahathir gaza fund 010208 serious On Monday, Mukhriz created a commotion when he suggested in the Dewan Rakyat that vernacular schools should be united under an integrated system to eliminate polarisation and to promote unity among Malaysians.

Hishammuddin stressed the fact that there are 5,831 mainstream schools compared to 889 Chinese schools, 374 Tamil schools, 410 mission schools and 154 religious schools, showed that the government is keen on building a united nation.

He said that to place all the schools under one system would require looking at the status of land, teaching positions and financial allocations that are unique to the different categories of schools.

“If there is a consensus to resolve all these issues which are somewhat unique to government-aided schools, then it is a good thing to have one system.

“But to make it polemic and to link it to a race issue – that has no basis at all as the four types of schools mentioned comprise Malays, Chinese, Indians, Christians and many others.

“What we are trying to do now is to link the two streams in order to instil patriotism and tolerance among our students. We want to encourage the growth of human capital that we can be proud of and a Malaysian community that is successful.

“I am highlighting this today so that this matter is not prolonged and overblown by irresponsible quarters."

Solving unhealthy cultures

On another matter, Hishammuddin said that it is necessary to monitor unhealthy activities such as money politics and trading of criticism in light of the upcoming Umno polls.

umno money politics "It must be remembered that there is no point in this (corruption) in an attempt to race for positions as it will eventually come back to haunt you once the position is won," said the outgoing Youth chief.

Hishammuddin will be vying for one of the three vice-presidents' posts in the polls next March.

He said the wing would try to resolve all complaints and petitions before the elections to ensure that future leaders are able to lead better.

"(It is too early) to state (that) I am satisfied because there are still many complaints and appeals that are being investigated.

"But the long period of time given for campaigning allows us to deal with these issues to be solved and in March, the leaders chosen will not be shackled with such issues."