WHAT stops parents from sending their children to national schools? Would housing national schools and vernacular schools on one campus foster unity?
These were among the questions the New Straits Times posed to parents of school-going children following Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s proposal to revisit the Vision school concept—housing national-type and vernacular schools on a campus to encourage interaction among students through common activities.
The NST Leader had on Sunday called for a greater non-Malay pupils’ enrolment in national schools but to retain the different school types.
While many were open to the idea of embracing national schools and uniting all schools under a single campus, some expressed concern that it would prevent their children from understanding their cultures.
Ong Tai Suan, 46, understands the benefits of both school systems. He attended national schools as a child, but his children attend Chinese schools.
Ong, a business owner and manager of music band Kozyy, said there was a need to foster integration among the races, and that this must begin with children.
“Right now, once school is done, SRJK(C) students will attend either tuition classes or go home, while waiting for their parents to finish work. There is no time to mix with children of other races.”
He supported the idea of establishing 3-in-1 schools as it can encourage mingling among the races.
“Our children can learn early on about each other’s cultures. This will help later in ensuring that there is no miscommunication between the races.”
However, he said, a test run or pilot project should be carried out first.
“Our schools lack teachers, teachers are overworked and lack a support system. So if they want to implement this, please make sure it is doable.”
Vickneswaran Marimutu, 39, has a different view. Having attended a national school, he said he regrets not being sent to a Tamil school.
“My father did not put me in a Tamil school. As a result, I can neither read nor write Tamil properly. Tamil schools are important for Indians as it strengthens our cultural identity,” he said, adding that he planned to send his children to Tamil schools. Asked about housing national and vernacular schools under one roof, Vickneswaran said he had his doubts.
“What if this idea for a shared campus takes place in a Malay majority area?
“The Tamil school on that campus will have a small number of students, while Malay students from the national school on that campus will be the majority.”
Business owner Alan Ng, 60, said he supported the idea but said the majority might not be ready.
Ng, who has a Malay in-law, said many Chinese saw Chinese schools as an institution.
“It is part of our culture here and we take pride in it. The elders believe the institution should be protected from any attempt to dilute its importance.
“Maybe in 50 years, Malaysians will be ready. The Chinese in urban areas will be more receptive to the idea (of Vision schools) as they mix with other races, but others are comfortable with the status quo.”
Service industry executive Tuan Ismail Tuan Mat said there was no time like the present to embrace national schools.
He said housing national and vernacular schools on a campus would boost harmony.
“This was mentioned by Dr Mahathir a long time ago, but many were opposed to it, so they abandoned the idea.
“I hope they will make it a reality because it will encourage the races to mix. We are after all one Malaysian race.
“Our children should mingle and learn from one another and they in turn can teach us about other cultures. It is a win-win plan.”