Putrajaya must ensure survival of SJKCs, say educationist, academic

PAGE’s Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim says SJKCs offer an “attractive alternative” for parents who view national schools as Malay or religious institutions. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: The chairman of an education group has called on Putrajaya to ensure the survival of Chinese vernacular schools, primarily due to its unique education system.

Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia’s Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said these schools, or SJKCs as they are commonly known, offer an “attractive alternative” for parents who view national schools as Malay or religious institutions.

Azimah said although non-Chinese parents acknowledge the importance of their children learning the Malay language, they also appreciate Mandarin for its “pragmatism”.

That is why SJKCs are not populated only by Chinese students.

“It has become a popular choice even for the non-Chinese who see the importance of learning Mandarin,” Azimah told FMT.

She was commenting on Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin’s concern that SJKCs may not survive due to declining birth rates within the ethnic Chinese community.

On Thursday, educationist and former MP Kua Kia Soong brushed off Sim’s concerns. He said the popularity of SJKCs especially among the Malays is proof of their lasting appeal.

In 2021, Malaysian Chinese Language Council president Eddie Heng was reported as saying that more than 20% of the students at SJKCs were non-Chinese.

Azimah said the popularity of SJKCs among the non-Chinese should serve as a “wake-up call” for the education ministry.

“It is time for the education ministry to reflect and keep up with the demands and needs of 21st century education.”

She said the Chinese community’s culture and language have been well preserved in Malaysia.

“The Chinese people are free to maintain their culture and heritage. It is the diversity of cultures that makes the fabric of Malaysia what it is today.”

Meanwhile, Tajuddin Rasdi of UCSI University said SJKC’s would need to “rethink their ways” to ensure their survival.

Tajuddin suggested that Chinese schools increase the number of subjects taught in Malay.

“Maybe they can teach history in Malay to attract more non-Chinese (students) to help save the schools.”

Tajuddin said SJKCs were important as a “doorway” to China given the republic’s economic prowess.

These schools, he argued, would be able to churn out a workforce and business partners that was not only fluent in Mandarin, but also imbued with the right working culture that would make them business savvy.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the past 14 years.