KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy National Unity Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal was grilled in the Dewan Rakyat today over statements he made last year concerning vernacular schools.
Steven Sim Chee Keong (Bukit Mertajam-PH), during the Ministers’ Question Time, pointed out that Wah Fayhsal as deputy minister of youth and sports last year had called for the abolishment of vernacular schools.
Sim suggested that there is a disconnect between cabinet members given National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique’s assurance that vernacular schools are here to stay, while her deputy had made statements calling for its abolishment.
In his reply, Wan Fayhsal said the statements he made on vernacular schools were done in his capacity as Bersatu Youth chief, and not as deputy national unity minister.
“What I stressed was the need to ensure Bahasa Malaysia is used in vernacular schools to connect students, teachers and the community.
“I am confident that if there are more students like YB Bukit Mertajam (Sim) who comprehend Bahasa Malaysia well, the language can be made an agent of unity in vernacular schools.
“When I said abolish, I did not mean close, but I meant strengthen Bahasa Malaysia a language in these schools,” Wan Fahysal said.
However, his answer was not received well by Sim, who pointed out Wan Fayhsal was talking about two different things.
“If he said we need to improve our proficiency of Bahasa Malaysia, we can do it.
“The deputy minister has given an untrue answer and is confusing Parliament,” he added. – The Vibes, November 29, 2021
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