Accusations that “vernacular schools destroy unity” offend all ethnic groups; UMNO must institute disciplinary action on Kemayan Assemblyman

The slur by Kemayan Assemblyman Datuk Mohd Fadil Osman that “Chinese and Tamil schools destroy unity” or that students of vernacular act like 'pendatang' as they cannot speak Bahasa Malaysia”  are slanderous. Sadly, his insults indicate that there still exists within UMNO, a few with extremist ideas. If UMNO and BN intends to regain the support from all ethnic communities, these rotten apples should be re-educated, or be removed.

The current political situation can no longer accommodate politicians who are narrow-minded with a parochial mindset. It is no longer acceptable to incite racially-charged emotions, take advantage of people from different races, just to score cheap political mileage.

Mohd Fadil has grievously offended the various ethnic communities. He should apologise to all Malaysians for polarising Malaysians apart. Likewise, UMNO must initiate disciplinary action against him.

The Federal Constitution guarantees the status of mother-tongue education of all ethnic groups. This is sacrosanct and must never be challenged at a whim.

If UMNO hopes to remain relevant in the future, and wants BN to recover its support from all ethnic groups, it must take action against Mohd Fadil to ensure no recurrence of incidents of spouting racial remarks on the pretense of publicity and support.

The Kemayan state Assemblyman must be reminded that Bahasa Malaysia is a syllabus that is taught in Chinese primary schools throughout Years 1 to 6. Hence, allegations that Chinese vernacular schools neglect the national language is false.

All these years, Chinese primary schools have produced outstanding figures of each race, contributing to the nation without expecting rewards. However, as we all look upon the government for allocation towards education development, similarly as an MP who is not well-informed should learn basic respect. One should not be harsh with words and hurt the pride and Constitutional right of vernacular schools.

Nicole Wong Siaw Ting
MCA National Youth Chairperson

-MCA online-