Tamil, Mandarin lessons: Gerakan Youth chuckles at PAS' idea

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's proposal to introduce Mandarin and Tamil language subjects for all students in national schools received a positive response from Gerakan Youth, albeit with a chuckle.

In a statement today, the wing’s secretary-general Andy Tan Hum Wei (above) recalled how PAS had dismissed Gerakan president Dominic Lau when he made a suggestion last year that also aimed at fostering unity among multiracial Malaysia.

"This proposal (by PAS) surely sounded progressive and inclusive. However, we could not help but 'smile' (tersenyum) at the suggestion because not long ago, when the Gerakan president proposed that Perikatan Nasional make a simple declaration to convince the non-Malays, it was brushed off as 'unnecessary'.

"But today, all of a sudden, we are hearing a suggestion about the importance of (teaching) Chinese and Tamil languages in national schools to foster unity.

"Doesn't this indirectly indicate that the need to gain the confidence of the non-Malay community has existed from the very beginning?

"Gerakan Youth views this matter from a positive angle. Perhaps, there is a common ground where we can meet. If the declaration suggestion was seen as something unnecessary, now we can agree that inclusivity and understanding each other are the key to PN’s future," he said.

Help strengthen ties

Tuan Ibrahim made the suggestion yesterday during his speech at the Supporters Wing (DHPP) National Convention in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

According to him, the move would help Malaysians better understand each other’s languages and cultures, thereby strengthening inter-ethnic relations.

Previously, Lau reportedly suggested that PN, particularly its component parties Bersatu and PAS, make a declaration that they would respect the rights of other races and their religious beliefs.

However, according to a Free Malaysia Today report, Tuan Ibrahim had rejected the suggestion and told Gerakan not to blame PAS for its failure in wooing Chinese voters.

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