Why More Malay Parents Choose Vernacular Schools?

Over the last decade, the enrolment of non-Chinese students, particularly Malay students, in Chinese vernacular schools has increased steadily, climbing from 9.5% in 2010 to 15.33% in 2020. In Chinese vernacular schools, the ethnic breakdown was 15.33% Malays, 80.25% Chinese and 2.75% Indians. In Tamil schools, 99% of the pupils were Indians. Private schools are gaining popularity. The enrollees constitute 65.88% Chinese, 26.96% Malays and bumiputras, 4% Indians and 3.17% others. But these schools are only for the privileged.

The proportion of Malay students enrolled at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) or national schools has remained stable, hovering at around 93 to 94% from 2010 to 2020. The increasing willingness among Malay parents to enrol their children in vernacular schools rather than national schools is due to several factors. These include the desire for their children to learn Mandarin, the comprehensive facilities provided by vernacular schools, and the improved quality of teaching and learning. Vernacular schools are also perceived to offer many advantages over national schools, such as better facilities, a more dedicated and organised alumni network, and a strong focus on mastering Mandarin and English. Many parents are also drawn to the strong academic reputation of these institutions.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

The four main reasons for the increase in Malay enrolment at SJKCs include:

1. Language mastery for a better future

Parents recognise the value of multilingualism in a globalised world.

And Mandarin, with China’s economic power, offers exciting career prospects. Vernacular schools provide an immersive environment for mastering this language, thereby giving students a competitive edge.

2. Better facilities and learning environment

In addition to language, parents are attracted to the well-equipped infrastructure and organised alumni support. These factors contribute to a conducive learning environment, fostering better engagement and potentially leading to improved academic performance.

3. Quality teaching and diverse learning approaches

The improved quality of teaching and learning (PnP) in science and mathematics has motivated parents to choose vernacular schools over SKs for their children.

4. Fostering cultural understanding and openness

Many Malay parents also realise that attending a vernacular school will expose their children to different cultures and languages fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity and preparing them for a better life in a multicultural society like Malaysia.

So, if Malay parents realise the benefits of vernacular schools, shouldn’t the MoE do something about it? Or, learn a thing or two? You don’t have to be an educator to know what the ingredients are – product, value, content and outcome. If you are a businessman you will appreciate this more. I am from the “boomer” generation. For us it was the great teachers; good syllabus; fantastic school environment – even if the headmaster is a strict disciplinarian; and meritocracy. You rise to be top based on your ability, not on your father’s background or title or racial origin! You had elite schools like VI, RMC or MCKK. They provided cohesion, pride and motivation to compete well. All the ingredients for a good future.

Today students are so “spoon-fed”, they come into the workplace looking for model answers to reply to a simple letter. Language and maths are much to be desired. The damage done to the education system will only be seen in 30 years time. I won’t be around to see it! Good luck Malaysia!

References:

4 reasons why more Malay parents are choosing vernacular schools over national schools, Sadho Ram, www.says.com, 22 February 2024

Respecting pluralism and diversity, Shad Saleem Faruqi, The Star, 18 March 2024