Letter to editor
BERSATU’S Srikandi (women’s wing) should leverage its annual general assembly to call for reforms to reflect progress and salvage credibility rather than resorting to typical race-bait diversionary tactics.
Srikandi Bersatu chairperson Datuk Seri Rina Harun lacks an inclusive spirit when during her party’s annual general assembly on Sunday (March 12) called for the closure of vernacular schools and to retain only single stream schools.
Regrettably, politicians tend to resort to the typical sputter usually as a diversion tactic on any current issues that affect the image and credibility of their party or members, most notably, the party’s echelon.
There are after all, on-going arrests of and charges against several Bersatu top leaders in relation to the Jana Wibawa alleged corruption scandal.
Other “sensationalistic” topics which politicians may unfurl to divert attention include race, religion, nationalism, citizenship and gender.
Speaking of gender, as the former Minister of Women, Family and Community Development – and given the wide reach of the Bersatu annual gathering – Rina could have used this platform and its publicity to delve into current hot topics.
For example, Srikandi’s views on citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to non-Malaysian spouses or the government having approved proposals to amend the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007 in relation to the addition of measures to protect children, establishing new categories of offences and compensation for victims.
On the cost of living and shrinking purchasing power which affect all layers of society, if Rina had broached on Menu Rahmah in relation to the rising cost of essentials, or how Malaysia could tackle food security concerns in terms of land usage, or the revised Budget 2023, or using EPF savings as collateral for loans and others, she would have connected with the common person struggling to eke a living.
On education, rather than exploiting vernacular schools as the convenient scapegoat, Rina could have highlighted on the need to improve the command of English among students and educators while not neglecting Bahasa Malaysia as our official language, or to ensure children in deep rural interiors – especially the Orang Asli – have the basic 3Rs (reading, writing and arithmetic).
By highlighting these issues, Srikandi could have scored points as thinking ahead for the betterment of the nation instead of being enmeshed in race-bait parochialism.
Does Rina even comprehend that Malaysia is a multicultural country? The Federal Constitution enshrines the right of all citizens to learn in their mother tongue language.
It expressly declares that “no person shall be prohibited or prevented from teaching or learning, any other language”. Malaysia’s diversity, competitiveness are national features and a unique model for other countries to emulate in the international arena.
Unity in diversity gives an added advantage to our country. People from all ethnic communities should be encouraged to co-exist peacefully and practise mutual respect.
As public figures, politicians are urged to approach matters from a macro-perspective and not seek divisiveness from a racial lens as doing so is unhealthy, breeds distrust and regresses the nation. – March 14, 2023
Tee Hooi Ling is the Wanita MCA deputy chairperson.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
