Vernacular schools are uniting people, not splitting them apart, says Aaron Ago

PETALING JAYA: Vernacular schools are not a factor leading to division but rather towards unity, says the National Unity Minister.

Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang points to enrolment data, indicating a continuous increase in non-Chinese students attending Chinese vernacular schools and non-Indian students in Tamil vernacular schools from 2018 to 2023.

“This demonstrates that unity among the people can be cultivated anywhere if all parties are sincere,” he said in a statement on Monday (March 11).

He mentioned that the ministry conducted a study on vernacular schools, revealing that they provide a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to interact and understand each other.

“Last year, the ministry initiated the social deficit discourse, featuring experts in the field. The findings indicated that vernacular schools should no longer be perceived as sources of division among ethnicities but should function as platforms for managing social harmony, similar to the role of national schools,” he added.

He reiterated his support for Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s position on vernacular schools, emphasising that they would remain under the purview of her ministry.

He added, “I fully support the education minister’s stance that the Education Ministry will continue to uphold the vernacular education system, in line with Section 28 (establishment of National and National-Type Schools) of the Education Act 1996.”

The minister called for an end to the polemic surrounding vernacular schools, emphasising that these longstanding educational institutions play.

Despite rising tensions, he highlighted that the enrollment of non-Chinese and non-Indian students has steadily increased since the pre-pandemic period, emphasising how unity can flourish from any sincere efforts.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to acknowledging and supporting the existence of vernacular schools.

She emphasised the ministry’s dedication to upholding the Education Act 1996, which recognises the establishment of these schools.

Fadhlina was responding to Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s call for a reassessment of the vernacular education system amid growing concerns over the population’s lack of cohesion.