The Malaysian Insight

PARENT-TEACHER associations have lauded the decision to dismiss a suit questioning the legality of vernacular schools in Malaysia, saying that focus should be on raising the standards of national schools instead of abolishing vernacular schools.

They dismissed claims that vernacular school students have poor command of Bahasa Malaysia, saying that many are proficient in the national language.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court had today ruled that vernacular schools and the use of mother tongues, such as Chinese and Tamil, in such schools are in line with the Federal Constitution.

Parent Action Group for Education chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said Bahasa Malaysia will not be relegated to a lower status should other mother tongues be used.

She said languages tend to borrow words from one another, so it may be easier if students learn several languages.

Being a polyglot can also be an asset to one’s career and well-being, she added.

“We should continue to have a vernacular system as it reflects our diversity, which is our strength,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

“The focus should be on significantly improving Sekolah Kebangsaan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan to make them the gold standard (in education).”

The Education Act 1996 clearly states that vernacular languages are provided for in the education system, said Noor Azimah.

She said the ruling should resolve the debate on vernacular schools, adding that the matter should no longer be politicised.

“We need to progress for the betterment of our children’s education.”

Malacca Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin lauded the court’s decision, saying that vernacular schools should not have been an issue as they have the constitutional right to exist.

“Those I know who are from vernacular schools speak perfect Bahasa Malaysia, with some even going on to teach the language.

“About 18% of non-Chinese parents prefer to send their children to vernacular schools, especially Chinese schools, and the number is growing by the year.

“With 18% of these students in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina, these schools are now more national than national schools.”

Although Malays and Indians are minorities in Chinese schools, parents think their children will get the best academic choice there, said Mak.

He said the government should also find out why non-Malays are shunning national schools.

“The government actually knows the root of the problem, but is in a state of denial.”

Mak said “some overzealous people”, who do not know that many Malays favour vernacular schools, are behind the call to abolish such schools.

The Confederation of Malaysian Writers Association, Federation of Peninsula Malay Students and Islamic Education Development Council had filed the suit against the existence of vernacular schools in December 2019.

They sought a declaration that the existence of such schools violates Federal Constitution provisions, as article 152(1) defines Malay as the national language.

They also sought a declaration that sections 2, 17 and 28 of the Education Act 1996 are inconsistent with article 152(1), and therefore should be null and void.

Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, who presided over the case, said the 1,800 vernacular schools catering to 500,000 students nationwide are constitutional and legal.

“These schools are not public authorities, as defined in the Federal Constitution, to use Malay as the medium of instruction,” he said, in dismissing the suit.

Lawyer and activist Siti Kasim had taken to Facebook to celebrate the ruling.

“Finally, the right decision. This challenge on vernacular schools is purely to further divide us as Malaysians. Waste of court’s time.” – December 29, 2021.