I am a Malaysian Chinese and studied in national primary and secondary schools. Both schools were missionary schools in Petaling Jaya. I also studied Mandarin externally up to standard six.

I loved and had fun times in these schools as my friends and teachers were great. The education standard, fortunately, was above par. I learned to mix around and be friends with students of different ethnic backgrounds.

A national school should be void of any religious and political influence. What parents and students want is high quality and wholesome education. These highly important traits in schools, sadly, is diminishing especially in national schools.

Thus, most Chinese and an increasing number of non-Chinese, are sending their children to vernacular schools. Why? because the education standards are much higher, the schools are better equipped and are usually supported by parents and businessmen.

Another plus point is that students are given an opportunity to learn another language. The worst disadvantage is that they will be in a mostly single ethnic group environment. I feel this is unhealthy, as one should mix and mingle around with people other races and religions from a young age.

However, it must be said that most graduates cope well in Malaysian society.

Another note is many top policy makers in the Education Ministry and ministers send their children to international private schools and attend foreign universities. If they cannot trust the local national school education system, why should we?

The conclusion to my letter is this: make national schools relevant again. Practise high standards in providing a quality education. Be fair and practise true meritocracy. Discard religious and political influences.

If all this is done, I can guarantee that most parents would not hesitate in sending their children to national schools voluntarily, and be proud of doing so.