'Vernacular schools not an obstacle towards national unity'

KUALA LUMPUR: Claims that the existence of vernacular schools in Malaysia is a stumbling block towards national unity is untrue as it has been proven that pupils from different races have also shown interest to study in such primary schools.
Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon said currently 15% of pupils in Chinese vernacular schools are not of Chinese descent.
“Therefore, it is untrue to conclude the existence of vernacular schools is an obstacle towards national unity. This shows the schools are becoming an option for other communities as well,” he said in reply to a supplementary question by Dr Lee Boon Chye (PKR–Gopeng) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Chong said the setting up of vernacular schools is provided under the Education Act.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak during the opening of the MCA annual general meeting recently has stressed that vernacular schools will not be abolished,” he said.
He added that Barisan Nasional's policy is based on the various races, religions and cultures as set by the nation's founding fathers.