If Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Razali Ibrahim disagrees with the Barisan Nasional manifesto for the 13th general election (GE13), he should resign immediately, rather than deliberately provoke resentments when BN component parties have long established mutual trust and respect.

Unfortunately, Razali continues to voice his objection against proposals to construct Chinese primary schools in Johor despite the demand for them on the erroneous grounds that they hinder the goal of national unity.

The BN manifesto for the 13th general election covered 17 areas and was published in six languages. BN prioritises the welfare of the people, and made a commitment to the rakyat. As an Umno member, Razali is also a part of the BN manifesto and its contents.

The BN manifesto outlines the country’s future development and also made two commitment related with Chinese primary schools ie “Continuing special allocations to all types of schools including SKs, SJKCs, SJKTs, Sekolah Agama Kerajaan, MRSM, Sekolah Berasramah Penuh and Mission Schools” and “Building more schools of all types in areas of high demand”.

It is crystal clear from the BN manifesto for GE13 that the BN government attaches great importance on the development of national education and had expressed in black and white that BN will continue to ensure the development of Chinese primary schools which includes access to education, construction and additional funding. All BN leaders had supported this BN manifesto for GE13.

Unfortunately, Razali’s comments have overstepped the pledges by BN and MCA. Our party once again reiterates that the Chinese primary schools are not a stumbling block to national unity. If Razali disagrees with the promises contained in the BN manifesto, MCA Youth urges him to resign immediately. Rather that transforming, the continued accusations against Chinese primary schools pose a disadvantage towards national unity.

I would like to emphasise that the future development of the country is dependent on current education policies and mechanisms executed. Once the education policy goes wrong, the future of the country may be open to unpredictable national and social problems.

Community leaders must be cautious with their words, lead by example, assist in promoting national unity. Simply publishing comments which border on racial lines will undermine racial harmony and will seriously harm national interests, and thus presents a stumbling block against national unity.

SENATOR CHONG SIN WOON is MCA Youth national chairperson.