KOTA BELUD, Nov 14 — The proposal by certain parties to shut down all vernacular schools in Malaysia is uncalled for or excessive, said State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Salleh Tun Said.  He said this it was because the vernacular schools were part and parcel of the national education system.

“This means any proposal to abolish vernacular schools is an extreme or outrageous view,” said Salleh, who is also Usukan state assemblyman, when officiating the 20th anniversary Lok Yuk Kindergarten celebration here today.  He also declared open the RM150,000-games hall building, financed by the federal government.

The issue of the existence of vernacular schools became the subject of debate since several years ago and heated up again recently.

Salleh, who is Sabah Umno Deputy Liaison chief, said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib  Tun Razak had previously assured that such schools would continue to be part of the education system in the country.  He said the vernacular schools played an important role in providing educational  opportunities to all groups in society, especially in Sabah, which consists of multi-ethnicity and religion.

“Keep in mind that many Bumiputera students or pupils are studying in vernacular schools (in  Sabah) that also play an important role to foster racial unity,” he said, adding that Sabah’s  traditional practice could not be equated with the situation in Peninsula. — Bernama