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.

Opposition from all groups

In addition to criticism of Chinese-based BN parties, Tian Chua said Umno too was guilty of diverting the education debate into a "racial political play".

"The prime minister's unwillingness to allow a thorough discussion in the cabinet as well as within his party has once again revealed his authoritarian style of leadership.

"His stubbornness clearly jeopardises the principles of democracy since he persistently refuses to take criticism and dissension from the public into consideration when implementing any important national policy," he added.

Opposition groups have been repeatedly warned by government leaders that their objection to the language switch could run foul of the Sedition Act.

Tian Chua also said the squabble within the BN over the issue "exposed" the fact that the ruling coalition is "not able to develop policies for the benefit of racial harmony".

Wrong way to improve English

While people are not against the idea of raising English proficiency among students, they are not convinced that the best way to achieve this objective is by changing the medium of instruction for Science and Maths, he asserted.

"The opposition to the proposal came from all communities transcending ethnic boundaries. The Malay, Chinese, Indian and other communities have voiced strong reservation on the appropriateness, effectiveness and viability of the plan."

Following the announcement of the decision to implement the language switch in May, various Malay and other vernacular groups had expressed concern that students' learning abilities would be affected by the change of the medium of instruction from Malay to English.