A segment of a recent debate in the Dewan Rakyat concerning vernacular schools in Malaysia has garnered widespread attention on social media, leaving many puzzled by the assertions made by Temerloh Member of Parliament (MP), Puan Hajah Salamiah binti Mohd Nor.

In the video, shared and edited by digital creator Jason Yew on X (formerly Twitter), Salamiah sought clarification from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek regarding vernacular schools after expressing her unease about their existence.

The MP for Temerloh stated,

"I seek clarification regarding vernacular schools. Regrettably, we observe that despite residing in one country, we have diverse languages and curricula. I endorse the teaching of the Chinese language and Tamil in national schools."

"Even though my child attends a Chinese school, I'm not resentful about it. However, I am uneasy about the use of different languages within our nation. Science being taught in Chinese, Tamil, and so forth. I advocate for Bahasa Melayu to be the primary language and medium."

"Baseless accusations"

In response, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek addressed Salamiah's remarks, stating that the Temerloh MP misunderstands vernacular schools profoundly.

Fadhlina clarified that vernacular schools are recognized under the Education Act. She emphasized that one of the primary purposes of vernacular schools is to preserve Malaysians' mother tongues.

"There are no issues with vernacular schools following distinct curricula since they adhere to the same curriculum mandated by the Education Ministry. Thus, there is no such thing as a different syllabus."

"Therefore, I assert that such extreme accusations should not be made in the Dewan Rakyat without factual basis. The vernacular schools, recognized under the Education Act and upheld by recent court rulings, serve to preserve Malaysians' mother tongues."

Malaysians criticize the PAS MP

In response to the X post, many Malaysians criticized the Temerloh MP for her statement, particularly given that she herself enrolls her child in a vernacular school.

One commentator noted that the situation is exacerbated by the fact that the Temerloh MP is a former educator and should have a better understanding, especially regarding the curriculum at the Chinese school her child attends.

Similarly, another commentator echoed this sentiment, questioning why the PAS MP didn't take the initiative to understand what her child was being taught at school to the extent of being unfamiliar with how vernacular schools operate.

Additionally, the video was reposted by X user @SyedAkramin, expressing confusion about why the Temerloh MP was puzzled by the use of the Chinese language at Chinese vernacular schools despite sending her child to one.