The Malaysian Insight

BERSATU youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal denies calling for the abolition of vernacular schools but for these institutions to be nationalised.

He said many parties have debated this issue without knowing why the British introduced the vernacular system.

“If we understand the context, we would understand why Bahasa Melayu was the national language, Islam the nation’s official religion and why we want the national schools to play an important role in uniting people.

“Vernacular schools should be nationalised so it reflects the national spirit and demeanour,” Wan Fayshal told The Malaysian Insight.

The deputy youth and sports minister sparked controversy previously for urging the abolishment of vernacular schools in stages.

Wan Fahysal said this in response to Unity Minister Halimah Mohamad Sadique, who assures that Perikatan Nasional would not abolish vernacular schools.

The senator, however, acknowledges that many parents, even Malays, are sending their children to vernacular schools, especially Chinese schools.

Wan Fayhsal said it’s similar to the British rule in the country where Malay parents at the time sent their children to missionary schools for a better future.

“Last time there were a lot of Malay parents who sent their children to missionary schools as they realised these schools guaranteed their future in society.”

He said although there are weaknesses in the national school education system, it does not mean that they lack quality.

National schools also produced many successful pupils who not only became leaders but also excelled in the corporate world, he said.

Wan Fayhsal said the school education system needs to be tweaked and improve certain weaknesses, such as appearing too religious.

He said because of this, non-Malay parents are dissuaded from sending their children to national schools.

“I agree with criticism that national schools are seen to be more Islamic. These are our national schools, not religious schools. We cannot emphasise on rituals too much.

“National schools are schools for all. There should be focus on Islam in schools but not too much as we do not want to deter the non-Malays from sending their children to national schools.” – November 8, 2020.