I CONCUR with the views expressed by Chok Suat Ling in “A missing ingredient in national schools” (NST, April 27). In fact, there are many missing elements in national schools today.

Of course, one important missing element is non-Malay teachers in national schools.

National schools should portray a national identity as enshrined in the Rukun Negara. With more non-Malays employed as teachers, the entire scenario will gradually change.

During the early years of independence, unity and togetherness prevailed among all the races in schools. The bond among them was so good that racial feeling among them was almost non-existent.

I studied in such schools in the 1960s. But today, national schools are synonymous with one race, be it in respect of students, teachers, other staff or principals.

How can we promote goodwill or a sense of muhibbah when we have only one race in schools?

Therefore, the recruitment of teachers should be reviewed carefully. From what I have seen as a lecturer at a teaching institute for more than 15 years, most of the trainees are Malays.

There were instances when not a single non-Malay registered for any course at my institute.

To enhance the present status of national schools, ways should be explored to enrol more non-Malays.

It is not true that non-Malays are not keen on teaching. I have met many young graduates who have expressed an interest in becoming teachers. But their hopes and aspirations are dashed when they fail to gain entrance into the 28 teaching institutes in the country, although they have the required qualifications to enrol in one.

The Education Ministry should find ways to employ a better percentage of non-Malays as a teaching force in the country.

The school environment should be conducive for a multiracial country like Malaysia. This is what is being pointed out by many non-Malay parents. The question is, how do we create such an environment? This issue needs deep thought and contemplation by all parties concerned.

The seeds of unity and harmony should be sowed among children while they are in schools. They should grow as children of one nation, forgetting their colour, creed, language and ethnicity.

S. NATHESAN, Muar

Source: NST – April 30, 2008