There has been a protracted debate over vernacular schools in Malaysia on whether these institutions of learning sow the seeds of racial division or otherwise.

However, Gerakan Youth Andy Yong argued that the government should seek to understand the reasons behind the reservation and negative perception towards national schools instead.

He said the negative perception or impression against national schools is the core reason for many Chinese parents opting to enrol their children in vernacular schools.

"I did a survey for the past six months especially among young Chinese parents and most of them agreed that besides quality, the principles of merit and equality should also be applied to national schools to instil public confidence and encourage enrollment.

"Many parents are willing to send their children to national schools if the academic standards, conducive environment and quality of teachers are on par or better than those in vernacular schools.

"So the crux of the matter is these three core issues. Please don't tell me the quality of our national schools is one of the best in the world," he told Malaysiakini.

Maintaining diversity

Yong agreed that the way forward would be to move away from vernacular schools gradually, but stressed that Malaysia's rich diversity must be reflected in its education system.

"Different cultures and mother tongues are a common heritage that should be allowed to thrive and taught in all schools on an equal footing.

"After all, it is guaranteed under our Federal Constitution. And I agree vernacular schools are never guaranteed under the constitution," he added.

Therefore, Yong said the opportunity to learn vernacular languages must be provided in all schools.

"It can also be done through the regular curriculum, with integrated trilingual teaching provided instead of extracurricular classes, as currently practised," he added.

Yong said while the issue of vernacular schools is often politicised by politicians and NGOs, no concrete evidence is provided to show that these schools hinder national unity.

"Politicians or educationists should not campaign just for Chinese or Tamil schools but should campaign for the right of every parent, regardless of race and religion, to choose the type of education that they want for their own children.

"Ultimately it is the quality," he added.

Political courage

On Monday, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin questioned whether anyone in politics dared abolish vernacular schools, even if it was a popular proposition to promote unity in the country.

"To abolish vernacular schools, who has the political courage to do that?

"It's an ideal because you want to have everybody going to the same school as an element of unity... but it's a tough one.

"At the moment I don't see either side (of the political divide) doing this," he had said during the TN50 session organised by Petronas staff in Kuala Lumpur.

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