Ipoh Community Forums

“Is Rina trying to incite racial tension?” demands MCA Youth over vernacular school comment

MCA Youth has slammed Srikandi Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Rina Harun for suggesting that vernacular schools in Malaysia be shut down, saying that her statement exemplifies the “narrow-mindedness of Bersatu’s leaders” and the party’s incompatibility in the nation’s multicultural society.

Rina had reportedly made the comment during Bersatu’s annual general assembly on Sunday (March 12).

According to MCA National Youth chairperson Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting, Article 152 (1)(a) of the Federal Constitution states that no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language.

“Vernacular schools are protected under the Federal Constitution and hence, there is no reason to continue raising the issue of closing down vernacular schools other than to incite racial tension,” she said in a statement.

“Furthermore, on Dec 29, 2021 the Kuala Lumpur High Court had ruled that the existence and establishment of vernacular schools and the use of Chinese and Tamil languages in these schools are Constitutional.

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Is Srikandi Bersatu’s vernacular school uproar meant to divert attention from bigger issues?

Letter to editor

BERSATU’S Srikandi (women’s wing) should leverage its annual general assembly to call for reforms to reflect progress and salvage credibility rather than resorting to typical race-bait diversionary tactics.

Srikandi Bersatu chairperson Datuk Seri Rina Harun lacks an inclusive spirit when during her party’s annual general assembly on Sunday (March 12) called for the closure of vernacular schools and to retain only single stream schools.

Regrettably, politicians tend to resort to the typical sputter usually as a diversion tactic on any current issues that affect the image and credibility of their party or members, most notably, the party’s echelon.

There are after all, on-going arrests of and charges against several Bersatu top leaders in relation to the Jana Wibawa alleged corruption scandal.

Other “sensationalistic” topics which politicians may unfurl to divert attention include race, religion, nationalism, citizenship and gender.

Speaking of gender, as the former Minister of Women, Family and Community Development – and given the wide reach of the Bersatu annual gathering – Rina could have used this platform and its publicity to delve into current hot topics.

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