A STATE representative in Penang has called on the Federal Government to review the education system in Malaysia to empower the national language, Bahasa Malaysia.
M. Satees (PH – Bagan Dalam) said that there are certain groups of people who often object the existence of vernacular schools.
“They often say that vernacular schools are the ‘dividers of racial harmony’.
“I was a vernacular school student. I studied in SJKT Perai. I can speak, read, and write well in Bahasa Malaysia. And I am sure that there are many here who came from vernacular schools.
“We are fluent in our national language. So, why are vernacular schools the target of these people?
“I give you an example. SMJK(C) Chung Ling di Butterworth had a 100% passing rate in the Bahasa Malaysia subject in SPM. All its students passed the subject, and it is a vernacular school.
“And we have students who study in national schools who failed the subject. So, what went wrong? We must do some research and not point fingers at vernacular schools,” he said when debating the Budget during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Satees said that if a student is not well-versed in the national language after studying in school for 11 years, then something is wrong with the education system.
“It is not the fault of the student or the school.
“We encourage initiatives to empower the national language, but don’t play up the issue just for political survival.
“Ensuring the people have access to vernacular schools is a basic human right that cannot be denied,” he added.
Satees thanked the Penang government for continuously supporting the various educational institutions in the state.
“The Penang government allocates funds to aid schools every year. I hope that the other states will also emulate Penang in providing aid to the schools,” he said.
Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH – Seri Delima) said there are some leaders who even use words such as ‘rekomen’ (recommend) when delivering in Bahasa Malaysia.
“They used ‘rekomen’ instead of the actual word in Bahasa Malaysia for that meaning.
“The issue that should be highlighted by ‘those who made noise’ is the usage of Bahasa Malaysia which has changed as compared to before,” she said.
Story by Christopher Tan