Maintain Vernacular Schools With Condition To Strengthen BM, Align PdP Curriculum With National Schools

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- A senator has proposed that existing vernacular schools be maintained, but with the condition that mastery of the Malay language and history be prioritised, in line with the teaching and learning curriculum (PdP) of national schools.

Senator Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad argued that while Article 152 of the Federal Constitution allows for the existence of vernacular schools, in order to shape the true face of Malaysia, the national language standard and national history need to be standardised across all schools.

"I suggest we maintain the vernacular schools, but with Malay as the primary language in these schools (similarly), history and national governance should be at the core of the curriculum. What I mean is, anything related to the nation must be prioritised.

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"Do not teach other languages as the top priority. That’s the issue with these schools, they are teaching things that are different from the national co-curricular curriculum," he said during the debate on the motion of thanks for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's royal address in Dewan Negara today.

Azhar also stressed that if vernacular schools do not introduce the national co-curricular curriculum, as recommended by certain parties, it will hinder the process of integration and create a generation of citizens who do not fully understand the spirit of nationalism.

Referring to some politicians who have proposed the abolition of vernacular schools, he believes that the approach taken should be based on wisdom, not hastily or solely through an integration approach that could ultimately create a new controversy.

Senator Mustafa Musa who interjected, also suggested that the first step towards this should be to standardise the proficiency of the Malay language in vernacular schools, in line with national schools, as there is currently a disparity between the two.

"The benchmark for fluency, competence, and reasoning in the Malay language in national schools and vernacular schools is worlds apart and this is what causes graduates from vernacular schools to lack communication skills in the Malay language," he said.

Sharing his sentiment, Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Naik Abdul Aziz said that the issue of education in vernacular schools needs to be addressed comprehensively based on a transparent study.

"When it comes to education, the Ministry of Education must resolve this at the co-curricular level, and regarding vernacular schools, I believe this issue should not only involve the opposition, but the government must also conduct the most thorough study possible."

"We must address the real issue and do the best to ensure the nation's future remains strong with the unity built by our forefathers," he said.

Regarding parents who still enrol their children in vernacular schools, Senator Tan Sri Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh believes it is time for the government to review the quality of teaching and learning in national schools.

He said that the government must ensure national schools offer a quality education system and introduce the teaching of other languages, which would encourage parents, regardless of race, to choose to send their children to national schools.

The Dewan Negara sitting will continue tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA