The mainstream media has been lopsided in presenting the view of the Dong Jiao Zong (DJZ). In addition, the unfounded accusations hurled by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno Youth have been given disproportionate publicity.

From the very outset, DJZ has been placed in a situation with unfair odds against it.

The current Vision School issue boils down to mother tongue education and national integration. Exercising the right for mother tongue education and national integration is necessary and exclusive.

More importantly, any meaningful national integration project should be formulated in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual respect. The Vision School project should see the participation of all parties in a win-win atmosphere.

In the democratic spirit, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, president of Keadilan was quoted as saying: "Before referring to all the concerned parties, the government should not have proceeded with the plan, as it would close the door for open discussions." ([#1]Consult all before effecting Vision School plan[/#], Nov 9).

The Vision School issue essentially hinges on democratic right. It is about the right of the Chinese community to participate in the decision-making process that affects their interests.

Not an overnight incident

The right to mother tongue education is guaranteed under the Malaysian constitution. One may wonder why DJZ is still doubtful and suspicious of the Vision School project.

Their distrustful attitude is not due to an overnight incident but stems from their years of experience in dealing with the government.

Presently, the education minister is vested with so much power that he can close down primary vernacular schools without any fuss.

In this context of an unequal relationship, talking about the Vision School project is akin to having a dagger hanging over one's head. It is understandable that DJZ is cautious in handling this so-called national unity project.

Despite repeated assurances from the ministry of education, DJZ and the Chinese community do not feel any more secure. Similarly, the people do not feel any more comfortable with the rhetoric that we are a democratic nation.

In one recent case, we saw our right to assemble peacefully denied. This right is also enshrined in the Constitution, yet the police still reject an application for a peaceful assembly without giving any reasons.

Struggle for reforms

The case of the Chinese community's right to mother tongue education is not an isolated one. We have seen the rights of the Orang Asal (the indigenous peoples) constantly violated in the name of development, national unity and national integration.

It is imperative that DJZ and the Chinese community realise that their right to mother tongue education is a part and parcel of a greater struggle for political and democratic reforms.

We need to work hand-in-hand to restore our democratic rights. The people's right to participate in the decision-making process is a prerequisite before any project pertaining to national unity and national integration can be implemented.

The political trend in this country has been such that the Executive and Administrative have been accorded so much power that the people's rights have been grossly encroached and denied without any redress.

They are so powerful that we find it difficult, if not impossible, to challenge them. First and foremost, we need to arrest this unhealthy political development.

The Vision School project should be discussed in a democratic frame of mind. The community's power to decide jointly with the Executive should be accorded.

Only when all parties are equally involved in the decision-making process can this national integration project be more promising.

ANG HIOK GAI is the deputy secretary-general of Parti Rakyat Malaysia