MCA touts poll showing broad support for vernacular schools

MCA has called on those with politically motivated agendas and others with malicious intentions to stop challenging the status of vernacular schools in the country.

Its deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said both the law and public sentiment recognise the legitimacy and contributions of Malaysia’s multi-stream education system and those opposing it should instead focus on more pressing matters.

“A recent survey carried out by the UCSI Poll Research Centre showed that 70% of participants agreed that vernacular schools do not hinder national unity.

“To another question, 71% of participants disagreed that vernacular schools were polarising Malaysians. These responses demonstrate the rationality and maturity of the majority of the population,” he said in a statement.

He said the diversity of values is the foundation laid forth by our founding fathers in the preparation of the federal constitution for nation-building.

“This is Malaysia’s most precious treasure and a competitive advantage that our country can showcase to the world.

“Unfortunately, in recent years, due to politicians and a handful of individuals and groups with ulterior motives, there have been continuous attempts to undermine and question the existence of vernacular schools.

“This merely to score cheap political mileage,” he said.

He said vernacular schools have never been obstacles to national unity and urged politicians to refrain from exploiting the issue of mother tongue education to create disturbances.

“The fact that up to 20% of non-Chinese students are enrolled in Chinese primary schools in our country is sufficient evidence recognising the learning quality of Chinese schools by non-Chinese parents.

“We hope that citizens of all ethnicities will focus more on the development and construction of various education streams in the future, nurturing a new generation for our country with diverse perspectives.

“Let us channel love and acceptance of our nation’s diversity and, through unity and cooperation, build a more prosperous and multicultural Malaysia,” he added. – The Vibes, April 10, 2024