I've read several times what the normally pugnacious Demi Negara and his friends are initiating by way of having a single and common Malaysian school system.
They have even come up with an attractive logo:
.
While I may not completely agree with the Melayu-centric thrust of the Memorandum, I don't believe that it should cloud the basic principle contained in the document. It is that genuine unity among Malaysians can best be achieved if young Malaysians are schooled under one roof.
My wife and I were part of the Sekolah Kebangsaan system. My children are part of the Sekolah Kebangsaan system.
I believe the idea has merit and, I support it.
I must express some reservation that the initiators of this good idea must be careful to ensure that the initiative is not hijacked by any form of racism whether direct or indirect.
The so-called vernacular schools are thriving because there is a perception that these schools are providing better quality education than the Sekolah Kebangsaan. Personally, I don't believe that to be true. But, most Chinese Malaysians believe in it.
That, I believe, is the root cause of the problem. I believe that the quality of the delivery of education services within the Sekolah Kebangsaan system needs to improve significantly.
I also believe that Malaysian schools must be overtly secular. Prayers should be a private and personal matter. But, when religiosity creeps into perfunctory and ceremonial matters within Malaysian schools, it can inadvertently drive a wedge and build walls when the reverse should be encouraged.
So, in principle, I'm for the Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua.
They have even come up with an attractive logo:
.While I may not completely agree with the Melayu-centric thrust of the Memorandum, I don't believe that it should cloud the basic principle contained in the document. It is that genuine unity among Malaysians can best be achieved if young Malaysians are schooled under one roof.
My wife and I were part of the Sekolah Kebangsaan system. My children are part of the Sekolah Kebangsaan system.
I believe the idea has merit and, I support it.
I must express some reservation that the initiators of this good idea must be careful to ensure that the initiative is not hijacked by any form of racism whether direct or indirect.
The so-called vernacular schools are thriving because there is a perception that these schools are providing better quality education than the Sekolah Kebangsaan. Personally, I don't believe that to be true. But, most Chinese Malaysians believe in it.
That, I believe, is the root cause of the problem. I believe that the quality of the delivery of education services within the Sekolah Kebangsaan system needs to improve significantly.
I also believe that Malaysian schools must be overtly secular. Prayers should be a private and personal matter. But, when religiosity creeps into perfunctory and ceremonial matters within Malaysian schools, it can inadvertently drive a wedge and build walls when the reverse should be encouraged.
So, in principle, I'm for the Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua.
18 comments:
Thank you for your support bro de minimis
Overall aim is to build the critical foundation of the Real Anak Bangsa Malaysia..and we must start with streamlining the education system.
We sincerely hope that this initiative is not hijacked or turned into a racial issue as you have mentioned in your post.
Regards
satD
Thank you for supporting this sir.
I agree with your opinion. In parallel with this initiative, the national schools must be attractive for all Malaysians.
The Ministry of Education must ensure that these schools are providing the best education and quality that our students deserve.
To write about this will require too much space here :). But I hope we share the same goals and objectives.
Thank you.
JMD-
"Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua" is rhetorically sound BUT pure histrionics in practice, period!
More so when this call is made by a lead singer, who is known for his bigoted views, superimposed with his siege ketuanan mentality.
This is just like Hitler asking for a solution to the Jew's problem! AND look at the consequences!
This call might have more CREDIT IFF it's not always been played up by these misguided bigots, whose sole aim is ketuanan under the superficial call of unity among school-going kids!
What about unity in diversity? What about free choice? What about BASIC human rights?
Always going in the opposite directions to the outside world - when everybody is doing 'inclusive thinking' on all things, regardless of race & religion AND achieve ultimate successes too in the diversity that has been encompassed!
And these people is asking for exclusiveness, just because u r not one-of-us!
And pls dont tell me if I dont go through a kebangsaan school then I'm not a anak M'sia. Tell that to those politicians/elites who send their children to international schools/overseas for their BASIC educations. What kebangsaan? Pariah!
Truly short-sightedness to the extreme!
De minimis, makes sure u put up yr caveats in BIG BOLD letters AND put them safe somewhere, so that u will have a record to face up to the consequences! U might need to defense yr current action, hopefully not in the too distant future. Just like those quotes, from the past founding fathers of Malaya, that these bigots keep twisting out in their blogs, to justify their self-imposed inferiority complex.
I guess u people r just too overwhelm with yr senses of Malaysia-ness to truly see the forest for the tree.
Based on past historical records & the prevailing attitudes, this initiative is GOING to be hijacked by a form of racism whether direct or indirect.
And deep down u know it!
U & I r just two persons. R most Chinese Malaysians ( ~90%), & those Malay/Indian/Dll Malaysians, who sent their children to those vernacular schools WRONG about the perception that these schools are providing better quality education than the Sekolah Kebangsaan? Perception is one thing, action is another matter! R u going to say that these parents r wrong due PURELY to their perception, thus lost touch with the realities of their surroundings?
Statistically, this observations r just pure chance & not significant? Or this chance is not part of the statistic? Or am I talking about bulls?
U r lucky that u were the initial pack of the Sekolah Kebangsaan system, when that schooling system had not been turned inside out. Yr children might be lucky too because u ‘managed’ to put them in sekolah kawalan. But then, even in sekolah kawalan standard & disciplines r sometime in question. Perhaps u just swallow these as part of the ‘system’ u accept. Can u expect others to do the same ‘sacrifices’ as u? Can u expect all these parents be able to pull some know-who to get their children into sekolah kawalan?
U said it –‘…the root cause of the problem. I believe that the quality of the delivery of education services within the Sekolah Kebangsaan system needs to improve significantly.’
So u know!
‘…that Malaysian schools must be overtly secular. Prayers should be a private and personal matter. But, when religiosity creeps into perfunctory and ceremonial matters within Malaysian schools, it can inadvertently drive a wedge and build walls when the reverse should be encouraged.’
And u know that too!
So r there anywhere in that Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua, stated clearly how to go about solving these quality & religion issues?
Or is it going to be minority follows the majority. Doa prayers r part of the culture of Malaysia? Can the Christians, Buddhists & all the other religions followers hold their own prayers? Then what about halal/non halal foods in the school canteen?
In another words, can TRUE secularism be upheld in kebangsaan schools, without the religious extremes going amok?
Easily said then done, ye?
De minimis,
Have you read this deminegara's blog? I agree with anonymous 9.31. This deminegara has been spewing vitriol against the other races, especially the chinese, from day one. Now he suddenly comes out with a satu sekolah. What a charlatan! And you fell for it. What a joke!
I would debate with anyone on the merits of education in the mother tongue but the very source of the topic already stinks your posting.
Why don't you go wait at your children's sekolah kebangsaan and see how the students keep to themselves by race when they come out after classes end? If after so many years of national integration this thing can happen from the efforts of this multibillion-budget ministry, what difference will it make if umno takes up that racist's call and nationalise all the schools in the country?
That joker even once admitted he was troubled by having been slighted by one of his Chinese school teachers. If OneMalaysia is to be made real, someone with such a fertile mind for seeding bad relations between the races should first be exposed. Remember May 13? Read his posts and those made by his acolytes and tell me that you also have cause for concern.
By the way, Special Branch has already opened a file on him, this 'deminegara'. And if you have ambitions for politics under Barisan Nasional, do take note that Special Branch officers routinely tag and report on politicians - of its own component parties. That includes MCA, Gerakan and MIC.
But you already knew that, didn't you, just as you would have known it would be unfair to say a vernacular school does not have real quality, especially when it also has minimal government support by design.
Interesting indeed 3 anonymous who care to drop by......
de minimis support for a single school is now being turned into a racial issue?
the 3 anon is already trying to hijack n turn this whole thing around.....does it really matter who started the campaign?
If it was mr A or mr B? But instead u 3 anons (or maybe 1) focus on who provided the platform for the campaign to start...what does that prove then?
Grow some balls n put a nic to yourself first...and come and debate the merits of maintaining 3 system in our education..
I am not surprised you are in this too!
Thank you for the support. What is important is that national schools are upgraded with more quality education and the sense of unity is propagated to all our children.
Those who still want to continue segregating our children should be ashamed of themselves. So far, they themselves have not provided a viable solution. But they are still quick to defile other people's noble effort.
Thanks again!
Anon 4.48pm
you said,
Why don't you go wait at your children's sekolah kebangsaan and see how the students keep to themselves by race when they come out after classes end? If after so many years of national integration this thing can happen from the efforts of this multibillion-budget ministry, what difference will it make if umno takes up that racist's call and nationalise all the schools in the country?"
So if children are studying separately instead, they will be closer and better for the overall unity?
again, rhetorics from u. but never the solution.
By the way, I do wait for my children when school's out and, yes, they have lots of Malay, Indian, and other Malaysian friends thank you very much.
And, I do have very many Malay and Indian friends, not co-workers, friends. Real hang-out-at-warung-mamak-gulping-teh-tarik friends.
Hello de minimis,
Kudos to you for your support of the "Sekolah Untuk Semua" campaign. I sincerely hope that the good effort of ordinary Malaysians now will bear the fruits in the near future. God willing.
This is a critical time indeed for us, Malaysians. Just look at the reactions of other so-called Malaysians like the anons in your blog, very pathetic at best. I fear for the future of our beloved country.
I vote for INTEGRATION, not DIVERSION. I want a cohesive, united Malaysia for MALAYSIANS, regardless of race and religion, but Malaysians with the same level of patriotism and love for the country, unlike what we're seeing now. I believe that we have to let our children learn the basics of respect towards people of other races when they are at a tender age.
Again, kudos to you, Sir.
de minimis,
So u'd censored comments that were playing contrarian to yr current write-up!
I took up satD's challenge for a debate - an intelligent/non-vituperate on-course - to reply. And yet u cold-stored it!
I used to think that yr writing is thoughtful & make-sense. Now I've big doubts.
So u r a fallible man too. Admit it!
BTW, none of the first three anons' write-ups were racially inclined. With yr English background, u read otherwise! This really is a big surprise.
Perhaps u took offend to 3rd anon's comment about waiting for yr children after school. Then, wasnt that a TODAY'S reality?
Perhaps u took offend about using know-who to get yr children into a sekolah kawalan. If u do then pls do tell.
We all have friends of various races. So what's yr point? Is yr fraternity better than others? Then, r u trying to say u r a class above/below than the others, due to the people u mixed around?
See the way this argument going to lead to?
U owe us an apology for miss reading us & do so publicly in yr blog. If u r putting a blog in public domain then be prepared to face all - goog/bad. Unless u want to behave like that emperor with no cloth, until the kid pointed it out!
R u protecting the teloq of someone? Or u can arrogantly say this is yr blog - if I dont like it, go fly some kites?
Then u r no better than u know who!
BTW, I'm the anon that asked u to keep yr caveats in frame.
Anon 10:46 will be the last Anon comment I am allowing on this posting. I'm sick and tired of moderating this type of tough-talk. I will only allow considered, measured and, courteous language that is constructive even if it is critical. But please skip all the macho posturing-la. No need to impress no one. Please, do me this courtesy. It's my space. You are an invitee.
Fristly,
Thank you for supporting this campaign, sir.
As to some comments given, I would like to say, good points, but to some however...
Anon 9:31 said:
"What about unity in diversity? What about free choice? What about BASIC human rights?"
Are you saying by satu sekolah you are not free? Might as well you choose not going to school. If you are saying human rights, you are sending the wrong signal. Then we will have students who ponteng saying it's their human rights not to attend any school.
School is for education and there should be a systemised. And to educate and unite Malaysians, one system and one school should be in place.
Anon 12:13pm said as a response to:
"U said it –‘…the root cause of the problem. I believe that the quality of the delivery of education services within the Sekolah Kebangsaan system needs to improve significantly.’"
as
"So u know!"
Well, the message I get is SJKs are better than SKs. So if we are to unite as Malaysians and these SJKs and SKs to become one, should not the methodologies to be assimilated and thus improve Satu Sekolah? Since SKs and SJKs is a result of Malaysian Education System, should not the best ways to be shared and implemented? Why nak sorok and simpan sendiri?
Anon 12: 13 also said:
"So r there anywhere in that Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua, stated clearly how to go about solving these quality & religion issues? "
Let me ask you, if let say Pakatan is in power, do you think that they will NOT startegise education to be in line what Malaysian Malaysia or Daulah Islamiah is all about? Will they not try to unite Malaysians to support their idea? Will not their policy can solve these problems if current system to be retained?
If then, there's noting different between Pakatan and Barisan. Just a bunch of politicians fighting for POWER, but not really considering future of younger Malaysians.
This idea of One schhol is beyond political boundaries. Education should not being politicized as it is one of basic needs for human beings to survive and live in a better world.
Just my two cents worth of opinion...
~OnDaStreet
Dear Sir,
Firstly, I must say this one: This post, written by someone of your general demographic group, stature and situation... it made me giddy from the thrill and joy - Suddenly, despite this being a small minority seemingly, it points to one thing - THERE MIGHT BE HOPE YET FOR A REAL MALAYSIA!
Looks like I personally will have to tone down on my pessimism to a different level, and hope and think for something more positive than to watch the coming Malaysia apocalypse unfolding bit by bit until the point of no return.
Since there is at least one person (and this one negates at least 50 Anons), my mental and physical strength might best be spent towards working to reach some common ground into working out something feasible and honourable for the present and future generations. This, I'm sure, is a lot better than preparing for the apocalypse - something that might be self-fulfilled if left at that.
Actually, I haven't been able to keep track of this proposal more closely since it was launched due to several pressing matters. I haven't even left a comment at the Demi negara blog. I was attracted to come here due to the RSS at my blog (not to mention in my desktop RSS readers - Yes, I'm a serious follower of SoPo blogs).
But now I can look to this big and worthy project with more hope and strength after reading what you have expressed.
And now to move towards discovering and understanding the objections - and what they propose. If there's nothing substantial beyond vague, wishful thinking that some magic will be performed just because a government with a different logo and colours are in Putrajaya, then I'm with those who'd suggest to just bulldoze these if they are in the way.
Bro Mat C
It's all about us all trying to find a common ground and, to seek reasonable positions. The starting point is to avoid stereotyping each other.
I actually have more Malay friends that I sembang with regularly than with my Chinese and Indian friends. When you hang out long enough, ethnicity becomes part of the conversation making it even more interesting because we can compare pantangs.
For instance, one friend was surprised at how much I liked telur masin. Even more so when I told him that I grew up eating telur masin. Flabbergasted when I said most Chinese old folk I know cannot have their bubur without ikan masin and telur masin.
I always feel that a sense of unity comes from the stomach! Makan kenyang semua beres!
Dear De Minimis,
These are kijangmas own words, taken from here:"Anyway, suffice to say that you and your kind are NOTHING. Just the dust, the debu that powders my feet, the habuk, the "duli" yang mencemarkan my tapak kaki.And nowadays these debus have the audacity to talk up to the Melayu Tuan Tanah on level terms, as if we are on par, makan sepinggan, duduk semeja, tidur sekatil. And these debus now even have the nerve to question the very symbols of our nationhood -- the keris, songkok, jawi, ... even fatwas! -- on a land that MY ancestors forged through centuries of battles and conquests and where countless died defending against foreign invaders. And now these products of the unwashed rejects that rolled off the plank of the rickety tongkang now see it fit to question the fundamental tenets of this land that was created from the blood and sweat of MY ancestors?"This is just one of numerous such statements by kijangmas & his supporters. Are you really surprised that many Malaysians from all walks of life find kijangmas, his supporters & their project offensive & vile? I am surprised that your goodself, whom (after following your blog for some time) I had come to respect, have chosen to support them. Have you ever gone through the postings & comments in his blog? "Pugnacious" is not the term that I would use to describe it.
Personally, I do not believe that criminal action can or should be brought against kijangmas & his group. There is no law in Malaysia against racist hate speech or being kurang ajar; neither should there ever be, as it would infringe on their right to free speech. Indeed it is better that all Malaysians read for themselves & see this group for what they really are.
Speaking for myself, I feel a deep sense of shame when I read the writings of kijangmas & his friends. I do not want him or his supporters to speak for me, my community or my country. I will happily support any effort to further genuine Malaysian integration & 1 school for all, but it must be done on the basis of equality, fairness & mutual respect for the cultures & contributions of all Malaysians, all of which are lacking in this particular project & its originators.
wah Malaysian Heart
u manyak semangat one to go everywhere on the blogistan to copy paste your tots on what u think of KijangMas....go to DemiNegara la if you got problem with him..why go kacau folks like makcik makcik watching soap opera gossiping here n there...
Since u speak for urself one...go speak to KijangMas and tell that straight to him/her....
Out of all of the hyperlinks/comments u made...you fail to show or provide a counter argument to the proposed Memo...its a memo la ...if u dont agree with the wording provide your opinion in the petition if u agree that we need one school...no cencorship ma...
Instead u go around like a hypocrite saying i support 1school but not the one being proposed by a "racist" ....tell me what is being proposed in the memo if not for a study to be conducted..the decision on vernacular schooling "integration" will be by the policy makers..not by the memo...
Did Ayah Pin send a wahyu for u straight out of his flying teapot for this mission ka?
While the SSUS memorandum claims to promote unity & integration, it does more than just propose a single school stream. It contains some very disturbing premises & key elements, just 2 of which are:
a) that it seeks to institutionalize intolerance against the so-called "foreign" cultures & languages of some Malaysians, by proposing that these be ghettoized, i.e. set apart from & denied its role in the public life of Malaysia, and
b) that it espouses assimilation rather than integration.
Neither of the 2 elements above is in any way necessary for true integration & unity. On the contrary, they will work against "comradeship and goodwill for us tiny rakyat". Elements like these (as well as the intolerant language used in the memorandum) hardly make for a "struggle of all Malaysians irrespective of their colour, origin, creed or breed".
Added to that is the attitude of some promoters of SSUS. While they are quite happy to repeat over and over again the professed objectives of the project and the fact that 1 school for all will promote integration, they seem to want to ignore the fact that Malaysians have concerns & reservations over some elements & aspects of the SSUS. There seems to be an effort to deem people with such concerns as unpatriotic or even racist; and to paint anyone who tries to delve below the surface of SSUS & its promoters (& tries to share it with others), as, in Dal's words, a "provocateur with malice and hidden vicious agenda”. Why this unwillingness to address those concerns? Why this hurry to railroad the SSUS without due diligence & deliberation? If this idea is as good as you say it is, won't it sail through scrutiny & criticism with colours flying?
mh
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