KUALA LUMPUR: Seputeh member of Parliament Teresa Kok has urges Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election, Khairul Azhari Saut to clarify his stance on vernacular schools.
"As a candidate vying for a seat in KKB, which hosts a total of seven vernacular schools - fiveSJKCs and two SJKTs, it is imperative that Khairul Azahri Saut clarifies his stance on the existence of vernacular schools.
"Does he share the view of his Pas comrages, or does he aline with the opinion of a Bersatu MP who advocates for the abolition of vernacular schools?" she asked in a statement today.
"I, along with the people of Kuala Kubu Baharu, eagerly await PN candidate Khairul's response and his position on this," she said.
Kok expressed her dismay at coming across a post by Pas Information Chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari which insinuated that DAP candidate Pang Sock Tao's exceptional SPM results were somehow tied to her attendance at a vernacular school.
"While he issued a half-hearted apology upon realising her outstanding academic achievements, he still chose to subtly encourage the public to exploit the issue of vernacular schools for political gain during the election campaign.
"This tactic is not just divisive and irresponsible but deeply racist at its core, and Malaysians must vehemently reject this type of politics if we are to foster unity and progress in our nation," she said.
Kok said she expected Fadhli to engage with Pang's manifesto, her stance on social justice, anti-corruption measures, and her plans for the development of Kuala Kubu Baharu.
"It begs the question whether Fadhli himself completed his SPM examinations or not, as his focus seems to be on divisive tactics rather than substantive issues.
"Furthermore, his attempts to revive the issue of vernacular schools after Pang's academic excellence is not only petty but also reveals a vengeful spirit.
"If Ahmad Fadhli Shaari were to momentarily remove his blinders, he would realise that many Malay and Indian families also opt to send their children to Chinese vernacular schools, further debunking his narrow-minded narrative," she said
Yesterday, Pang settled the dispute over her education background and qualifications by sharing Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) result slips.
Fadhli then apologised for raising questions on the education background of the DAP candidates, which he said indirectly disclosed that the candidates received education in vernacular schools.