MP SPEAKS Commenting on the proposal of Bangsa Johor single stream school system for Johor, retired National Education Advisory Council member Prof Teo Kok Seong has lent his support by saying that the proposal is a positive step towards the strengthening of unity.

Teo’s support for single stream school system should not come as a surprise as he has in April this year urged its implementation to combat racism in the country.

I immediately rebutted him by saying that his proposal was wrong and unacceptable as his argument was flawed.

How could abolition of a multi-stream school system be the solution when it is not the cause?

Teo has a right to maintain his views but he has to convince others with facts that the single stream school is the solution to the racism problem in the country.

Education does not breed racism or cause disunity.

It is not necessary that children have to study together to understand unity.

Malaysians of all races do not play badminton together but the recent excellent performance of our athletes at the Olympics has brought the nation together.

The major factors which have caused disunity of Malaysians are racial politics, racial policies and racial speeches.

Hence, the biggest cause of disunity in the country is none other than the BN government itself.

Why does Teo not mention these factors which are obvious facts to all?

If he thinks these are not the factors, then I suggest that he carries out a professional and independent survey and I am sure he will find the truth - that the BN government is indeed the greatest cause of disunity in the country.

I wish to remind Teo the following fundamental points:

Firstly, he should realise that the right to learn and study one’s mother tongue is protected by the Malaysian constitution and he should respect the people’s rights.

Secondly, he should know too that abolition of the vernacular schools which is actually not a cause of disunity and racism, will in fact lead to more disunity in the nation.

M KULASEGARAN is DAP national vice-chairperson and MP for Ipoh Barat.