By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dismissed today an online campaign for Malaysia to abolish vernacular schools, by refusing to back the “One School for All” petition by a group of bloggers aligned with Umno.
The online campaign describes vernacular Chinese and Tamil schools as a cancer and impediment to national unity.
Backed by a number of pro-Umno bloggers, the campaign appears to mirror remarks made by Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir during his failed campaign to become Umno Youth chief.
Mukhriz, the son of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has consistently called for vernacular schools to be abolished and for there to be only one single school system.
Muhyiddin told reporters today that the country already had a national education policy and that there was no need to change it.
He said the education system, which guarantees the existence of Chinese and Tamil primary schools which follows the national syllabus, has existed for a long time and nobody had previously complained about it.
“It is not wrong for people to have many opinions but they must understand that our national education policy has existed for a long time. This is what has driven our education system,” he said.
Muhyiddin said he welcomed different opinions but stressed the government would not be changing the education policy.
The DPM appeared to take pains in not backing the campaign.
Muhyiddin, who is also deputy president of Umno, had come under heavy criticism for his remarks after a recent by-election which suggested some Chinese voters were not grateful to the Barisan Nasional (BN).
Comments (27)
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written by myop101, May 21, 2009
written by myop101, May 21, 2009
Dear Tan Sri,
To show my gratitude, this is my comment on your comment on not supporting the petition:
"That's a very sensible comment coming from our DPM. If only the PM also support this view and introduce concrete long term measures to strengthen the national education policy by making sure no schools are left behind in terms of funds and resources allocation."
To show my gratitude, this is my comment on your comment on not supporting the petition:
"That's a very sensible comment coming from our DPM. If only the PM also support this view and introduce concrete long term measures to strengthen the national education policy by making sure no schools are left behind in terms of funds and resources allocation."
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written by johnny alpha, May 21, 2009
written by johnny alpha, May 21, 2009
of course he won't support this! the use of vernacular schools are the corner stone by which the BN component parties have always used to ensure a division amongst the population so that they might be able to maintain their 'divide and conquer' method of politics!
It is unreal to expect any BN politician to support this logical and most effective way in promoting national unity! and let's not buy into 'one race/ group will get left behind' rubbish argument. we are all human beings, with the same brain and with the same potential capacity to learn and the fact that UMNO disagrees is also insulting to our Malay friends and brothers! same as the MCA and MIC actually!
but then again, this is the DPM whose party once appointed an MB to the most economically developed state whose only defense that he didn't understand english when he was caught with suitcases of cash into australia, so i suppose that the DPM's position is not too surprising!
It is unreal to expect any BN politician to support this logical and most effective way in promoting national unity! and let's not buy into 'one race/ group will get left behind' rubbish argument. we are all human beings, with the same brain and with the same potential capacity to learn and the fact that UMNO disagrees is also insulting to our Malay friends and brothers! same as the MCA and MIC actually!
but then again, this is the DPM whose party once appointed an MB to the most economically developed state whose only defense that he didn't understand english when he was caught with suitcases of cash into australia, so i suppose that the DPM's position is not too surprising!
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written by Mumin, May 21, 2009
written by Mumin, May 21, 2009
Hello,hello we Malaysians are not fools.Another 'sandiwara' by UMNO clowns.Very well planned that UMNO supportive bloggers(my foot) it is actually UMNO's idea and then DPM comes and says he will not support the campaign.All these are in preparation for next GE when BN dogs will come begging for votes and will beat their chest and say UMNO defended the existence of vernacular schools.Deep down every UMNO dog is this idea of aboloshing vernacular schools especially the Chinese schools.There are about 60,000 Malays studying in Chinese schools and all these are growing up to be anti-UMNO.Imagine what will be the numbers in 10 years from now.So UMNO thugs are trying to kill the Chinese schools.They must be day-dreaming and living in another planet.All these antics will not help BN in the next GE.UMNO be prepared to exit and MALAYSIA WILL BE CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE AGAIN when we all co-exist as Malaysians under the Pakatan Rakyat federal rule,God Willing.We will also witness some major excercise to go after all those ROBBERS in UMNO and confiscate all their ill-gotten wealth and start a RAKYAT FUND to eliminate poverty.Conservative estimate is RM 50billion.Let us pray and get together and kick BN out of shape.
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written by BJ Lee, May 21, 2009
written by BJ Lee, May 21, 2009
Probably Muhyiddin is aware that vernacular schools are only partially funded by government (ie 50% or less). Perhaps UMNO bloggers could have a solution how could Federal Government would have funding these school if implement "ONE SCHOOL FOR ALL", by having more taxes to people of M'sia?????
They too probably are not fully aware these properties and infrastructures are mainly publicly contributions for last 50 years and privately owned instead of State owned. Based on today market value, an extra-large lump sum would have to pour out, can you afford????????????
They too probably are not fully aware these properties and infrastructures are mainly publicly contributions for last 50 years and privately owned instead of State owned. Based on today market value, an extra-large lump sum would have to pour out, can you afford????????????
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written by QM, May 21, 2009
written by QM, May 21, 2009
credits should be given to Singapore, which with one school system, manage to promote unity among younger generations better than Malaysian's multiple school system. When will we learn?
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written by LIMKAMPUT, May 21, 2009
written by LIMKAMPUT, May 21, 2009
Those who campaign for single integrated schools should have their heads examined. The cause of disunity in this country is not due to different school systems. It is due to racism, bigotry and parochialism manifested through bumi and non bumi dichotomy. Only racists who have no tolerance of any thing different will say such thing. There is no simple solution to a very complex problem, so don’t start to talk nonsense here. You racists are just trying to galvanise Malays support toward UMNO. We know that.
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written by Hang Tuah 1, May 21, 2009
written by Hang Tuah 1, May 21, 2009
Whoever the bloggers?
Whoever is starting this campaign?
Please read the federal constitution.
Vernacular schools are protected by the constitution.
Therefore, this is clearly a bad case of one's action questioning the federal constitution...
This calls for the Sedition Act to be applied...
Hello, Police - where are you?
Whoever is starting this campaign?
Please read the federal constitution.
Vernacular schools are protected by the constitution.
Therefore, this is clearly a bad case of one's action questioning the federal constitution...
This calls for the Sedition Act to be applied...
Hello, Police - where are you?
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written by entahle, May 21, 2009
written by entahle, May 21, 2009
TSM cakap begitu nampak sangat takut kehilangan undi. Patutnya tak perlu terus tidak bersetuju dengan cadangan murni sebegitu TSM. Patut TSM kena cakap kita kena buat penerangan kenapa dan kajian akan cadangan itu. Terus tidak setuju nampak sangat tidak berpandangan jauh TSM..
Adoila..
Adoila..
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written by Hang Kasturi, May 21, 2009
written by Hang Kasturi, May 21, 2009
many of the morons who have waxed fat and comfortable on the sweat and blood of the various other communities. these bums have conveniently forgotten to be grateful and have now even begin to harp on - of all issues - vernacular schools!
is this the only contribution from these brainless bums?
it is probably because of these vernacular schools that our entire school going population has a much smaller number of goons, thugs, and samsengs.
it is also probably because of these vernacular schools that our lovely country malaysia is among the most versatile in the whole world, always never failing to amaze foreign countries with our language fluidity and business skills, including of course shoes and fashion.
and it is also probably because of these vernacular schools that we do not degenerate into something like uganda or sudan.
for 52years, it has proven to be effective and productive, and it has not mired us in poverty nor disaster, despite the many restraints and the surfacing of the many peabrained goons, thugs and samsengs. all of us should instead endeavour in harmony, hardwork, and consistency to ensure that everyone has a fair share of an expanding cake on a level cutting board.
that, my friends, is what unity in diversity is all about.
is this the only contribution from these brainless bums?
it is probably because of these vernacular schools that our entire school going population has a much smaller number of goons, thugs, and samsengs.
it is also probably because of these vernacular schools that our lovely country malaysia is among the most versatile in the whole world, always never failing to amaze foreign countries with our language fluidity and business skills, including of course shoes and fashion.
and it is also probably because of these vernacular schools that we do not degenerate into something like uganda or sudan.
for 52years, it has proven to be effective and productive, and it has not mired us in poverty nor disaster, despite the many restraints and the surfacing of the many peabrained goons, thugs and samsengs. all of us should instead endeavour in harmony, hardwork, and consistency to ensure that everyone has a fair share of an expanding cake on a level cutting board.
that, my friends, is what unity in diversity is all about.
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written by monk, May 21, 2009
written by monk, May 21, 2009
I wonder when some UMNO leaders will "reform" their brains to gain some form of common sense. maybe they need brain transplant.
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written by Kopitiam Chat, May 21, 2009
written by Kopitiam Chat, May 21, 2009
Topic : Campaign to abolish vernacular schools.
This shows that those who started this campaign are short sighted, stubborn , uncivilised barbarians. Those half blinded must open their eyes. Due to globalisation, instead of abolish the vernacular school, they should campaign to reinstake the English medium schools.
Those who studied abroad are sitting in the top posts in UMNO. Check with them, whether they have not sent their children to study abroad or they never intend to do so. It is a big mistake to abolish English medium schools in 1970s. The new generations now have to struggle to learn English in order to compete globally. The whole world is studying Chinese language and perhaps Tamil is on the way, when India becomes a developed country. We have the opportunity to study English, Bahasa Malayu, Chinese lanquage and Tamil, to prepare our childen to compete globally But now those extremists start barking and campaigning to abolish vernacular schools.
If the campaign is atarted by the politician, this shows that that politician is a racist, extremist, hopeless, brainless, incompetent, not fit to be a leader. This politician knows nuts about the development of a country, but likes to instigate his race to go against other races. He wants to become a racial hero for his political gain. This " being " does not like to see harmony among the races. He feels threatened and redundant when everybody is living happily. This is not real leader but opportunist.
This shows that those who started this campaign are short sighted, stubborn , uncivilised barbarians. Those half blinded must open their eyes. Due to globalisation, instead of abolish the vernacular school, they should campaign to reinstake the English medium schools.
Those who studied abroad are sitting in the top posts in UMNO. Check with them, whether they have not sent their children to study abroad or they never intend to do so. It is a big mistake to abolish English medium schools in 1970s. The new generations now have to struggle to learn English in order to compete globally. The whole world is studying Chinese language and perhaps Tamil is on the way, when India becomes a developed country. We have the opportunity to study English, Bahasa Malayu, Chinese lanquage and Tamil, to prepare our childen to compete globally But now those extremists start barking and campaigning to abolish vernacular schools.
If the campaign is atarted by the politician, this shows that that politician is a racist, extremist, hopeless, brainless, incompetent, not fit to be a leader. This politician knows nuts about the development of a country, but likes to instigate his race to go against other races. He wants to become a racial hero for his political gain. This " being " does not like to see harmony among the races. He feels threatened and redundant when everybody is living happily. This is not real leader but opportunist.
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written by Paul Ong, May 21, 2009
written by Paul Ong, May 21, 2009
Most of taxes are paid by the Chinese, this show that most Chinese are responsible citizens of this land. Why try to score political points by suggesting to do away with vernacular schools? Wanna kill or abolish vernacular schools ? Its easy man! Just re-introduce English schools, not only Chinese schools will be "kaputted" even the Malay schools will be buried along with the Chinese schools as well.
UMNO putras must find out why less and less Chinese send their kids to the national schools, we Chinese know why, but probably many UMNOputra choose to pretend not knowing why, you bloody stupid! Let me challenge you (UMNOPUTRAS) to send your kids to national schools rather than International school or overseas.
My son studied in national school all the way from standard one to form 5, from his feed back to me on how the minorities are being treated from time to time, I just felt nauseating to say the least. My daughter got the same treatment too! Let me tell you this, national schools do not fair better than vernacular schools in term of propagating racial harmony and tolerances towards other races, in fact it is being made worst by some racialist teachers or head master/mistress.
UMNO putras must find out why less and less Chinese send their kids to the national schools, we Chinese know why, but probably many UMNOputra choose to pretend not knowing why, you bloody stupid! Let me challenge you (UMNOPUTRAS) to send your kids to national schools rather than International school or overseas.
My son studied in national school all the way from standard one to form 5, from his feed back to me on how the minorities are being treated from time to time, I just felt nauseating to say the least. My daughter got the same treatment too! Let me tell you this, national schools do not fair better than vernacular schools in term of propagating racial harmony and tolerances towards other races, in fact it is being made worst by some racialist teachers or head master/mistress.
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written by kopite, May 21, 2009
written by kopite, May 21, 2009
Yes abolish those schools. They caused national disunity and are like cancer. Abolish unfair policies too. Abolish Bumi/non-Bumi status. These are like HIV/AIDS. Last but not least.... abolish BN!
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written by Tonberry, May 21, 2009
written by Tonberry, May 21, 2009
The group of Umno bloggers should be put under ISA arrests for questioning the social contract..
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written by Penumpang Halal, May 22, 2009
written by Penumpang Halal, May 22, 2009
I agree abolish, because too many non Chinese are attending Chinese schools and if this cancer is not removed, soon there will be no students for Kebangsaan Schools!
Weird logic!
For other issues, I don't know, but for this, well done Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin!
Weird logic!
For other issues, I don't know, but for this, well done Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin!
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written by crazee, May 22, 2009
written by crazee, May 22, 2009
Look at the hypocrite comments above..They want equality but do not want to abolish their school...this school is a long time cancer and soon to bleed! Tell where me where in the world we have this stupid schools..even Singapore that they praised like hell most of the time have single school system..
wake up hypocrites!
I wonder i can turn back time and cancel all this bullshit social contract
wake up hypocrites!
I wonder i can turn back time and cancel all this bullshit social contract
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written by joe, May 22, 2009
written by joe, May 22, 2009
yeah!
abolish DEB!
abolish vernacular school!
fair and square right?
joe.
abolish DEB!
abolish vernacular school!
fair and square right?
joe.
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written by Peter Pan, May 22, 2009
written by Peter Pan, May 22, 2009
It is precisely this kind of thinking that creates disunity in this country. Again, this shows the utter disregard to the constitutional arrangement at the time of merdeka. The vernacular school system is one of the fundamental principles enshrined in the constitution and part of the human rights which the founding fathers of this nation agreed to before even seeking independence from the colonial masters. It is strange that we hear this type of campaign and of course, it is downright seditious so to speak. Commonsense must prevail that the building of a nation is based on the common objective of unity and national unity can be achieved if goons refrain from this kind divisive activities. The eduction system has a common syllabus which works towards national unity and this depends on the framing of the curriculum and contents devoid of bias and falsehood as these goons try to impose.
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written by MATDIN, May 22, 2009
written by MATDIN, May 22, 2009
I support the "ONE SCHOOL FOR ALL" at the same time allowing "MOTHER TONGUE" languages be taught in schools. Stop politicising EDUCATION by all parties...heha
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written by Rwin, May 22, 2009
written by Rwin, May 22, 2009
mukmin,
I concur with you. The separate school system is designed to keep us racist. I am an indian and studied in a national school. Does that make me any less indian? Certainly not! And I dont come from a priveleged background. Worked my as off to get where I am today...still working my ass of for promotions..:)
Indians in the UK and US do not study in their mother tongue and still maintain their cultural identities...soemtimes better than the indians in India themselves.
I support abolishing the separate school system as long as vernacular languages are taught in national schools. Lets all be malaysians...regardless of race...
Cheers!
I concur with you. The separate school system is designed to keep us racist. I am an indian and studied in a national school. Does that make me any less indian? Certainly not! And I dont come from a priveleged background. Worked my as off to get where I am today...still working my ass of for promotions..:)
Indians in the UK and US do not study in their mother tongue and still maintain their cultural identities...soemtimes better than the indians in India themselves.
I support abolishing the separate school system as long as vernacular languages are taught in national schools. Lets all be malaysians...regardless of race...
Cheers!
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written by Concerned Citizen, May 22, 2009
written by Concerned Citizen, May 22, 2009
I wonder if this so called campaign is orchestrated....
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written by Arno , May 22, 2009
written by Arno , May 22, 2009
Peter Pan, May 22, 2009 said - "... this shows the utter disregard to the constitutional arrangement at the time of merdeka. The vernacular school system is one of the fundamental principles enshrined in the constitution ..."
Where in the constitution? Where? What article? Show us.
I bet you cannot show us. Why? Because there is NONE?
Don't you people read the memorandum? Or you want it translated to Mandarin first?
Siccckkkk racistsss!!!
Where in the constitution? Where? What article? Show us.
I bet you cannot show us. Why? Because there is NONE?
Don't you people read the memorandum? Or you want it translated to Mandarin first?
Siccckkkk racistsss!!!
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written by SAM, June 02, 2009
written by SAM, June 02, 2009
I support one school for all... please clear you mind without any prejudice and later you will agree that one school is better than our current vernacular school. If someone say that Chinese school are having better teaching method ( not so sure whether backed by any finding), then share with others in this one school for all. If you all dont like it to be call Sekolah Kebangsaan.. then, change the name that more meaningful for our national unity. We are not stopping you to learn you mother tongue.. not at all.. For those who suggested that we shall abolish vernacular school so that we can abolish their mother tongue is racist.. We all are encourage to learn other languange and I bet that all student will be happy to learn other language as well..SO, please open your heart and let make a change for the benefit of our children and grand children.. PLKN is a good way to do it.. BUT it is already too late.. How can you integrate those child in few months and expect to get positive result when all this while you separate them for more than 10 years... PLEASE all.. please see the sincerity of this one school for all...
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written by george vgse, June 14, 2009
written by george vgse, June 14, 2009
I school is a good idea.Tamil schools ,located mostly in estates have poor facilities in terms of infrastructures and mostly untrained staff should be abolished.The pupils perform badly in the UPSR exam .These pupils have poor command of English and B,Malaysia .They will be dropouts and end up being lorry drivers,gangsters,touts and criminals.The biggest mistake for an indian parent is to send their children to a tamil school .Tamil schools are actually a colonial legacy meant to halt the progress of the Indians inthis country. Yet,the MIC insists on the existence of these schools.The number of pupils are getting smaller and it is high time to close these schools.
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Look at the racists remarks by politicians and such bodies like BTN first before they can even
con us all by saying that 1 school can bring unity. Gosh such low mentality these fellows.
In fact to call for such will disunite the entire country!
These guys think we are all fools.