PAS has been urged to introduce Tamil and Mandarin language subjects at its own preschools, Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI), to prove its sincerity in implementing the same proposal in national schools.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng made the call following remarks by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man on Saturday, who suggested that both languages be taught to all students in national schools as a way to foster unity.
Lim, however, cautioned PAS leaders not to just make grand speeches on stage while failing to practice what they preach.
“If Tuan Ibrahim is sincere about his proposal for Tamil and Mandarin to be introduced as subjects in national schools, then he should first demonstrate commitment by implementing it at PASTI,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Media reports noted that Tuan Ibrahim made the proposal during his speech at PAS’s annual congress (Muktamar), stressing that introducing Tamil and Mandarin could help strengthen inter-ethnic unity.
Lim pointed out, however, that both languages have long been available as elective subjects in national schools.
“This proposal clearly shows he either does not understand the current education system, or worse, is deliberately trying to stir racial sentiment by raising an issue that does not exist,” he argued.
He further reminded PAS not to use children’s education as a tool for cheap political gain.
“The key question now is whether this is PAS’s official stance, or merely Tuan Ibrahim’s personal view.
“If it is only personal rhetoric, then do not exploit education issues for attention. But if this is truly a new PAS policy, then state it clearly and prove it by implementing it immediately in PASTI,” Lim added.
