KOTA KINABALU: Calls to shut down vernacular schools have caused anxiety among teachers and should be viewed as attempts to disrupt societal harmony, said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Michael Lui Yen Sang.
He said the extremists who called for a single stream education system and shutting down of vernacular schools after the 13th general election are putting teachers under pressure.
He said their action is regrettable as Malaysia is a multiracial country and Sabah is a model state for 1Malaysia concept.
“Chinese schools have many Bumiputra students, and with the guidance of the teachers, the students will be the foundation of a harmonious society and catalyst for ethnic harmony,” he said during a dinner for teachers from eight schools and kindergartens managed by the chamber in conjunction with the Teachers’ Day here on Thursday. Some 650 teachers attended the event themed ‘Guru Malaysia: 1 Aspirasi, 1 Agenda’.
Lui said all teachers in Malaysia should uphold professionalism and ensure that the national education system is successfully implemented.
He also urged the eight schools under KKCCCI to utilize their strengths and resources to assist other schools in need.
The schools and kindergartens managed by KKCCCI are Chung Hwa Likas Nursery and Kindergarten, Chung Hwa Kindergarten Penampang, Hwa Shiong Kindergarten Putatan, SJK(C) Chung Hwa Kota Kinabalu, SJK(C) Chung Hwa Likas, SJK(C) Hwa Shiong Putatan, SJK(C) Chi Hwa Kolombong and Kota Kinabalu High School.
Also present at the event were Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Jimmy Wong Sze Phin, Api-Api assemblywoman Christina Liew, Likas assemblyman Junz Wong, Luyang assemblyman Dr Hiew King Cheu and Inanam assemblyman Dr Roland Chia.