SINGLE-STREAM EDUCATION: This system is the way to go

2009/11/03

ZAMRI MAHMUD, Kuala Lumpur

I ADMIRE the stand taken by Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim on the single-stream school system and his vision for the country's national education policy.

Time and again the historian-academician has put forth practical opinions in the best interests of all Malaysians.

What is more laudable, he will present the facts without mincing his words.

And he does it without fear or favour.

Recently, media reports quoted him as saying that the government should restructure the national education system and do away with the multiple stream arrangement. He feels this is important if we want to strengthen nation-building efforts.

He also suggested the teaching of mother tongues to be incorporated into the curriculum ("Education system must embrace 1Malaysia" -- NST, Oct 23).

I couldn't agree more with him on this. Children should be free to pursue and learn their mother tongue during school hours.

The authorities should also seek the cooperation of Chinese schools, recognised for their superiority in Mathematics and Science, to provide guidance in the teaching of these two subjects. This will encourage parents sceptical about national schools to change their preference.

It is important to take note of his comment on vernacular schools, which we inherited upon independence.

He said that during the British era, these schools were set up to allow students to learn about their countries of origin.

However, they are now citizens and should be taught to accept Malaysia and its many races as part of themselves.

Admittedly, vernacular schools today do not operate along the same lines as in the past.

They have different goals and expectations to meet.

Nevertheless, I believe national schools are in a better position to provide the right environment for children of different races to mix.

Here, they are given the opportunity to learn early in life about acceptance, sharing and caring.

Therefore, I urge the authorities and all Malaysians to heed Khoo's call on the single-stream school system.

We should decide with a clear conscience to enrol our children in national schools.

It will not be easy for us to embark on this endeavour. However, we must persevere if we want to see this nation as a dignified, peaceful and successful country, in consonance with the 1Malaysia spirit.