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We need to know how the Malaysian Education Ministry proposes to deal with the simultaneous introduction of smart schools and vision schools.

 
The Malaysian Government does not always have consistent policies in education. Since the 1996 Education Act denotes the intention to create a world-class education, we see attempts at different ideas. The Education Ministry's penchant for sudden introduction of a policy makes us cringed. For instance, the failure in implementing programmes in living skills and abacus shows that the ministry had not done enough preliminary work.

Now, we hear of smart schools and vision schools, being implemented more or less simultaneously. What does it mean?

The concept of smart schools is from U.S.A., using modern methods such as computer and Internet to teach children. The Government has earmarked 86 schools for smart methods. Is it a pupil to one computer? Five to one? Or ten to one? What about other methods and techniques? Eventually, all 8,758 primary and secondary schools will be smart.

Although the ministry thinks of having a computer laboratory in every school, many do not have. Some schools get their laboratories through the board of governors and parent-teacher association. Many are still without proper computer rooms. What is the Government policy on this?

On the other hand, vision schools are aimed at making children in primary schools use common

facilities to promote racial harmony and unity. On principle, we cannot object. But then, if the concept is so good, why can't the Education Ministry have meaningful discussions with those who have doubts over the implementation of the concept? Certainly, the Chinese educationists such as Tong Chiao Chong have misgivings about it.

We agree that Malaysia should strive to attain international standard in education. This is difficult. It will take the efforts of all Malaysians. Nevertheless, the Government must have consistent policies that are acceptable to most.

The 2001 Malaysian budget allocates RM 18.6 billion for education. This is the biggest allocation. It should be used effectively. How will it be used in smart and vision schools?

We like to see truly smart schools. At the same time, we want unity among all races. If the implementation of vision schools causes furore, then the ministry has to rethink. Now, the Chinese educationists are unhappy about the implementation. Can't the ministry have meaningful dialogues, not monologues, with them? Can't it promote harmony and unity with them first?

The ministry must let us know how it proposes to achieve the objectives of smart and vision schools. It should not be party political.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw

Part of the speech by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong at the, BA, Barisan Alternative's dinner in Kajang, Selangor, on 13 November 2000.
 

 
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