THE proposal to transform national schools (Sekolah Kebangsaan, or SK) into multilingual learning centres is not only realistic but already being implemented in some schools, according to education experts.
Deputy Director of the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dr Anuar Ahmad, said Mandarin and Tamil language subjects are currently offered in certain SKs, provided there is a minimum of 15 pupils requesting the classes.
“We have in fact proposed this before, and it is already being carried out in some SKs where Chinese and Tamil language classes are offered after receiving requests from parents,” he told *Sinar Harian* on Sunday.
“If there are 15 pupils, a class will be opened. Our education system does accommodate the presence of other languages besides Malay, English and Arabic.”
According to Dr Anuar, these requests are usually submitted through Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG), including by Malay parents who want their children to learn additional languages such as Mandarin, Tamil or Arabic.
On Saturday, PAS had proposed that Mandarin and Tamil be introduced as formal subjects in national schools to foster national unity and reduce interethnic suspicion.
Its Deputy President, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, said the move would allow Malaysians to better understand each other’s languages and cultures, thus strengthening interethnic relations.
Dr Anuar added that the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) also provides trained teachers for Chinese and Tamil language instruction, provided there is sufficient demand.
“I fully support this initiative and sincerely hope that SKs will evolve into schools that offer multilingual education to our students,” he said.
He also stressed that such an approach would make SKs more inclusive while retaining Bahasa Melayu as the primary language, with English, Arabic, Chinese and Tamil encouraged as additional languages.
Echoing his views, Associate Professor Dr Hasnah Toran, Chair of the Centre for Education and Community Well-being at UKM’s Faculty of Education, described the proposal as practical and implementable within the national education framework.
She emphasised the adaptability of young minds and the importance of joyful learning.
“Children’s minds are flexible and capable of absorbing knowledge if taught correctly. They should be taught in a joyful environment, not merely for examination purposes,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the potential concerns among teachers, who may feel overwhelmed by the increasing number of subjects and responsibilities placed on them, including non-academic topics such as road safety.
Still, Dr Hasnah stressed that education should offer flexibility—whether it be for certification or for promoting cultural understanding and awareness among students.
The proposal signals a shift toward a more inclusive model of national education, where language becomes a bridge rather than a barrier in Malaysia’s multiracial society. - September 15, 2025
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