The accusation by Umno division leaders that vernacular schools are causing division and disunity in society is regrettable.
Not only is it not true, it is also a fallacy to say the mere existence of vernacular school causes disunity in Malaysia.
Vernacular schools add colour and diversity to Malaysia’s education system which consisted of, among others, Tamil, Chinese and Malay and Religious education.
The question whether to abolish vernacular schools is sparked by Umno politicians out to make a name for themselves during the current Umno general assembly, instead of being based on hard facts.
There is no evidence at all that mother-tongue education caused communal disunity. In fact students of vernacular schools are loyal, patriotic and love the nation.
The fact that they are not fluent in Malay does not make them at once anti-nationals.
You merely have to increase teaching periods in Bahasa Malaysia to familiarise students to become beater speakers.
Conversely there is also no evidence that Sekolah Kebangsaan (national schools) foster social unity.
Primary school is compulsory in Malaysia and schools use Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin or Tamil as the medium of instruction and of late private schools are growing that offer English as the language of choice. 
About 1,300 Chinese and Tamil medium schools currently have 700,000 pupils in attendance ad it makes no sense to say closed down these schools.
What happens to the 700,000 pupils? They don’t have to get an education?
The entire school system should be revamped to put more choices in the hands of parents on what schools they want their children to attend.
The first aim is too decentralised and depoliticised the education system.



C SIVARRAAJH is MIC Youth chief