National schools failing popularity test

An excerpt from Malaysiakini.

MP: National schools failing popularity test

The Education Ministry was today asked in the Dewan Rakyat to explain why Malaysians tend to shun national schools.

Firdaus Harun (BN-Rembau) said these schools, especially at the primary level, are the catalyst to achieve racial harmony and unity for younger generations.

Answering the question, the ministry’s parliamentary secretary P Komala Devi (BN-Kapar) said the ministry is aware of the problem.

“The Education Ministry is aware and realises the importance of national schools, especially the primary ones, as an important phase in inducing racial unity and integration,” she said.

She said the ministry has strived to make national schools the ultimate choice for education and one strategy was by embodying the Guidelines to Strengthen National Schools in the Central Planning on Education Development (PIPP) 2006-2010.

Komala said the ministry has constantly conducted research to strengthen the appeal of national schools and as a result of the research, it has introduced Chinese and Tamil language education in national schools, increased the professionalism of teachers and ensured that the infrastructures are adequate.

Apart from this, she claimed that national schools are doing well in attracting non-Malay students as well. For the rest of the article, click here.

I don't think P Komala Devi answered the question.