Just as Barisan Nasional thought it had resolved differences among its parties on the English language switch in schools, a reformasi leader condemned the ruling coalition for "racialising" the issue.

Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua, who is currently serving a two-year detention order under the Internal Security Act, said BN component parties have chosen to racialise the discussion over the controversial language switch proposal instead of allowing an open debate.

"The call by the MCA and other so-called Chinese-based parties for an exception be made for Chinese primary schools was an utterly unprincipled move. It was based purely on seeking political compromise," said Tian Chua in a letter delivered to malaysiakini .

The Keadilan leader was detained without trial in the Kamunting Detention Centre, Taiping, since April last year for allegedly trying to overthrow the government through 'militant means'.

Last week, BN parties accepted a proposal for an alternative implementation of the language switch for Chinese primary schools, following objection by four Chinese-based parties in the coalition to the original plan affecting all schools.

Following the compromise, national and Tamil schools are expected to introduce English language teaching of Maths and Science from next year while Chinese primary schools are allowed to teach the two subjects in both Mandarin and English.