PAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has called out Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, saying his suggestion to introduce Tamil and Mandarin in PAS’ preschools (PASTI) is a narrow and small-minded take.
Tuan Ibrahim said his original idea, to offer Chinese and Tamil as optional subjects in national schools, was meant to promote unity and reduce racial tension, not just to be implemented in one small part of the education system.
Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man
“If he wants to suggest doing it in PASTI, that doesn’t mean much. We’re talking about making it part of the national education policy, not just one small unit. That kind of thinking is too kampung (village-minded). You can’t solve racial unity issues with just one or two small efforts.”
He was responding to Lim’s comment that PAS should first implement Tamil and Mandarin in its own preschools before pushing for it in national schools.
Just a day earlier, Tuan Ibrahim had suggested that all students in national schools should have the option to learn Chinese and Tamil, saying it could help build national unity and reduce racial suspicion.
He said that learning Chinese and Tamil should be optional, not mandatory
He clarified that the idea isn’t about forcing anyone, it’s just an option.
“First, we want to strengthen Bahasa Melayu as the national language so everyone, regardless of race, can speak it well.”
Second, we want to reduce racial sensitivities. If students are interested in learning Chinese or Tamil, they should be able to take it in national schools. The goal is to bridge the gap when language issues come up,” he explained.
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Tuan Ibrahim added that it’s up to the government whether they want to take the idea seriously, but he believes it could help with national integration.
“I’m just throwing out an idea. But usually, they (the government) won’t even consider it. If they do, great,” he said.
What do you think of his idea? Let us know in the comments.
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