KUALA KUBU BAHARU – Perikatan Nasional (PN) is not against vernacular schools, but wants them to be “enriched with the national curriculum”, said Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
He said vernacular schools should reflect the national identity of Malaysia.
“In principle, PN will never shut down vernacular schools,” he said in a press conference at the coalition’s operations room in Batang Kali today.
“What happened in the past week, involving one of our leaders commenting on this, is just a response on the educational background (of candidates), it has nothing to do with vernacular schools.
“I believe Chinese and Indian voters are mature enough to understand that PN is not anti-vernacular schools. We want the best candidate to win and represent Kuala Kubu Baharu.”
He said debating the academic credentials of PN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates was merely a distraction from the “real issue” of the rising cost of living.
Recently, PH candidate Pang Sock Tao revealed her UPSR and SPM results on social media after PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari scrutinised her credentials.
Pang’s result slips show her to be a former student at SJK(C) On Pong, Ampang, Selangor and SM Chung Hua, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
Fadhli then reminded voters that Pang was a product of vernacular schools. In response, Pang said she would focus on her service to locals.
Meanwhile, Wan Fayhsal also urged the Election Commission to investigate certain “goodies” allegedly handed out by the government.
On top of Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming allocating RM5.2 million for Hulu Selangor, and the fact that Pang is Nga’s press secretary, Wan Fayhsal said he saw a photo of Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad supposedly giving out envelopes during his visits here.
Despite this, Wan Fayhsal expected the by-election to be an uphill battle for PN, as Kuala Kubu Baharu has been a DAP stronghold for three terms, and the party had triumphed in its recent by-election showings.
Should PH lose or win by a close margin, he said it would be a referendum showing the people were unhappy with the current administration. – May 2, 2024