I refer to the letter But what to do? The schools need the money.

I believe in freedom of choice. Give options to the people which schools they would like to send their children to. Remove the hidden agendas, be serious about education.

Do not force anyone into learning what they do not want to. After all, we are a multiracial country, we practice different religions and cultures.

Some of these schools may turn semi-private due to their freedom of choice in selecting their teachers, headmasters and principals. The school would have funds to pay skilled teachers and since they are paid well, their commitment may be unquestionable.

The schools which perform well will undoubtedly have more students and will generate more income to built more buildings and not be dependent on government funding.

More teachers will be willing to teach in this school as motivation drives them. The teachers may be graded too, depending on the performance of the students. A lot, in fact, can be done if schools are allowed to run on their own.

Initially schools will have funds provided by the government but will eventually move to be self- funding depending on the capability of each school. This can be achieved.

As for school books and reading materials, as the government has funded their purchase, these books are to be kept at the schools and only workbooks are to be kept by students.

Proper planning by the schools will give both parents and students a sense of assurance. Everyone will have a sense a belonging if everyone is to get involved.

Move away from the so-called federal government policy and start to run the schools as we did in the 1960's to the 1970's.

The Education Department also needs to restructure itself so as not to handicap the schools from being run effectively. Start planning along these lines and stop arguing which medium of instruction to use.

Give choices and it will be plain to see. No need to get sentimental and emotional over all this. The choice is there - if you do not like this particular school, you have the choice to change schools.

I hope those who are serious about education will take bold steps to start planning, putting aside religion and politics.

I remember in my days where we learnt about morals at home - not in school. Parents, too, should start playing their role effectively from now onwards.