JOHOR BARU: Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has questioned the effectiveness of vernacular school system in the country, saying it could become a stumbling block for national unity.
The prince made this comment while proposing to Johor government to come up with its own education modules specifically for children born in the state.
He also proposed that a multi-racial 'Bangsa Johor' school be set up to instill unity and mutual respect among the various races from a young age.
"If Johor has 'Bangsa Johor' and Malaysia has '1Malaysia'... Can you give me an example of 1Malaysia?
"You have Malay schools, Chinese schools, Indian schools and since they (pupils) were young, you teach them not to unite. And when they grow up, you want them to unite?
"In the future, there won't be Malay, Indian or Chinese schools in Johor. Religious schools will still be around.
"What we will have instead is Bangsa Johor schools. From young, children will be taught to unite, respect other religions and respect other races," said Tunku Ismail in a dialogue posted on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page on Saturday.
Tunku Ismail, who spoke at length about the country's football development and problems plaguing it, said he envisioned a future where people could distinguish a Johorean based on their education, level of maturity and way of thinking.
The prince is owner of the Darul Ta'zim football club or JDT.