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(The Sun) THE call to unify all the school systems by Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir is possibly the most important step in overcoming the ever growing racial divide among Malaysians. By putting together the future generation of Malaysia under one school roof, we are taking the first step in national unity: allowing them to socialise and experience racial diversity when young.
I’m appalled at how almost all our shortsighted politicians talk of the "importance of multiple education systems" and evade the issue at hand. Mukhriz did not suggest removing the different systems of education. He suggested unifying all the different schools under one system with multiple choices of education still available. I have been through two education systems, the first being a reputable private school, dominated by Chinese, and the second was a standard government primary school. Now on hindsight, I can proudly say that the greatest educational experience in my life came from the government school where I was exposed to different cultures and religions. It took much difficulty and time for me to adapt to the new environment of diverse mix of cultures, but it was all worth it as it taught me the important lessons of tolerance and understanding, of how different people think differently and to be more open minded and accept different opinions. Based on my experience, I find those who have studied in vernacular schools to be the least tolerant. I find most people I encounter from such schooling have closed mindsets and difficulty accepting people with different ideas and thoughts. People who have been kept in an education system where they only mix with those of similar thinking and lacking exposure to people from different cultures. And the evidence is clear to see, just count how many are successful in migrating and living in distant countries and cultures other than their "homeland". It’s this form of "birds of a feather" mentality that the idea of "racism" stems from: The lack of tolerance and openness to different thoughts and ideas. Another issue is the common excuse used in the political arena: claiming that this would remove our "cultural diversity" by refusing the teaching of "mother tongue". The education system’s one and only purpose is to impart knowledge and skills to our future generation to prepare them to be useful members of society. The imparting of culture and "mother tongue" should never be the sole responsibility of the system. The responsibility should mostly lie with the child’s family. At most the system could allow for choices in what language education could be provided, at the parents and student’s discretion but all under one system and under one roof. Look at the way our schools are built: separate school buildings, separate compounds, separate administrations, all built for separate "races" and cultures. How do you expect our children to not be instilled with racial and segregated mentalities? How can we expect racial unity if our own children are brought up in schools that look as divided as East and West Berlin were? This is Malaysia. This country is a mosaic of different cultures and people. If we as Malaysians are to stand united, compromises have to be made on all sides. Every culture, every "race", everyone has to make small sacrifices. It is something Malaysia has to undergo to be a unified, mature and responsible nation. Diversity is our country’s true identity. Unless we strive to control and tap our diversity to achieve our nation’s goals, it will be its greatest curse rather than its greatest asset. Benjamin Wong
Cyberjaya
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Wake up, you blithering idiots!