Single Stream School System

Running head: IMPLEMENTATION OF SINGLE STREAM SCHOOL SYSTEM

Single Stream School System should be implemented in multicultural country Malaysia Azratee bt. Zawawi International Islamic University Malaysia

Single Stream School System

Abstract This paper presents proponents arguments on the implementation of single stream school system. The paper outlines the need for Malaysia racial integration for nation development. Single stream school system aims at achieving such integration. It also intended to educate the young children about accepting other differences so that the inter-relationship between races develops. However, there are some people who disagree at the implementation because they fear their culture identity will be lost in due to the fact that the schools will be using Malay medium of instruction. On the other hand, the proponents argue that this is insufficient because the use of mother tongue is not completely neglected. Finally, suggestions on the matter were presented.

Single Stream School System

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

Abstract I Introduction II Arguments

Argument 1 Argument 2 Counter Argument Refutation Islamic Perspectives

6 8 10 11 13 14 15

III Conclusion References

Single Stream School System

Malaysia is a country that is known for its multi racial people. The majority of race in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indian. Before Malaysia independency, we are colonized by British who separated the three races in order for them to continue stay in ruled. The British then provided English and Malay schools. In addition to that, there were also Islamic schools, Chinese and Indian schools set up by the locals. The British allowed for the schools to operate as it does not oppose with their divide and rule policy. This thus led to the existence of multiple streams school system, one system for each race. (R. Hashim, 2004, p.44) After Malaysia declared its independency in 1957, many measures were taken to form unity among races. The racial integration became an important factor in education and it is the most discussed topic among many Malaysian leaders. (R. Hashim, 2004, p.7) There have been many education reports made to strive for national unity. (Singh & Mukherjee, 1993) Malay and English schools were changed to national school but Chinese and Indian remain as vernacular schools. Students often attended different primary school systems according to their own mother tongue languages. At the secondary level, many Bumiputras went to boarding schools or Mara Junior Science Colleges which are highly dominated by Bumiputra. (Tzannatos, 1991, p.182) Non-Bumiputras are left which choices of either secondary national school or private schools. As a result, interaction between other races is reduced. Recently, in an article by My Paper single school system was proposed to people as a way for integration between races. (A. Attan, 2008) Single stream school system is an education system that unifies vernacular Chinese and Indian schools with the National school. Together, the three schools form a single school system using Bahasa Melayu as its medium of instruction. Racial polarization is still exists despite of all the efforts made in promoting national unity. According to an article by Asia Times, racism still

Single Stream School System

exists despite the government efforts in achieving unity. The article noted about the surveys conducted on unity. It noted that majority of the various races find comfort and security in their respective ethnicity (Kuppusamy, 2006). In one of the article in News Straits Times, Michael Eng stated that the main reason for lack of unity is the education system. He proposes that we need to revamp schools to foster unity. (Eng, 2010) However, there are different views on the matter. The non-Malays are opposing on the fact that most of them feared their culture identity will be lost. This is because subjects in national schools will be taught in Malay language, rather than Chinese or Indian languages. The medium of instruction used is the most heated topic when this matter was discussed. (Singh & Mukherjee, 1993, p.90) Consequently, many are in wonder if this is a possible reconstruction of education. There are people who feel that they have to follow government policy if single system education is implemented; they are pressured by the fact that they will not have pro-choice in education. On the other hand, there are people who felt that single stream school is the way to teach kids about acceptance of each others cultural differences. They feel that this is a practice on pupils about values on respecting and embracing others cultural differences and religious practices when they are young. While some may disagree, single school system should be implemented in Malaysia education system because it will promote unity, inculcate values in early age and develop multilingualism between races in Malaysia.

Single Stream School System

First of all, a major argument on those who supports single stream school system is that it should be implemented because it will promote unity among races. To be frank, this may seem as unconvincing to some people. Does implementing single school system would unite Malaysian? Alan Kay says that The best way to predict the future is to invent it Robin (2009). Malaysia multiethnic population has put the country in need for racial integration. Unity is the key to peaceful and harmonious country. Publilius Syrus a Roman author implies that Where there is unity, there is always a victory. Many Malaysian leaders have said that we must maintain the unity among Malaysian people. (M. Mohamad, 1991) Malaysia has a history of racial violence. There was a time during 1969, where 169 people were killed because of fights between different races. (Lande, 1999, p.105) This incident was an eye-opener for the government to put more effort in nations unification. After that, various ways was put through for unity. There was no other racial riot after 1969. However, according to former Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the present Malaysias racial integration is worrisome. For instance, he note about the decreasing number of non-Malay in national schools thus makes national schools consists of Malay-race only and the usual minority group of friends we see in institutions today are mostly of one race. Furthermore, he pointed out that in time, sooner or later this will dismiss the understanding and trusts for each other race. Therefore, Malaysian will become distance of each other race and demolish the integration between nations. (Malaysian Education Summit, 2004) Therefore, Malaysia must maintain racial integration before another racial dispute breaks out again.

Single Stream School System

Malaysia being a multicultural society needs to think unity of great importance. In developing a country, it needs to stay in a peaceful environment. Wars and killings are not the situation that people want in their country. Recently, articles by The Sun and News Straits Times reported that Metro Tabernacle church was set on fire and dumping of boars head at mosques. This showed that racism between Malaysias multi-ethnic populations still exists. (Dass, 2010) and (Sennyah, Suresh Ram, Ng, 2010) It was fortunate that there were no deaths involved in these incidents. Thus, these incidents are calling Malaysia to think of unity of great importance. The problem will persist if nothing is done to make it go away. Lack of awareness would lead the incidents to major cases such as brutal killings or fights between races. This will hurt more people if there was no action against it. Among the many roles of education, one of them is uniting a country. Institutions such as schools function as a cause for socialization because this is the place where community willing to join together. Moreover, the purpose of schools is also to manage and enhance the inter-relationship issues between communities. (Nagy & Williams, n.d) According to Lee (1999), in building up a nation, education is the main character in assisting the country to overcome the challenges of Vision 2020. The first challenge that the government declared in Vision 2020 is establishing a united Malaysian nation with a sense of common and shared destiny (M. Mahathir, 1991) Malaysias past leaders have realized the potential of education in promoting unity. They have implemented that Malaysias education system is based by common curriculum, common examination and common language. (Singh & Mukherjee, 1993) However, these efforts made by them are not enough. The challenge of achieving a united nation is still unsuccessful. Thus, a new system of education needs to be implemented in order for Malaysia to achieve its vision in developing integrated nation.

Single Stream School System

The second claim is that single stream school system should be implemented because with this system, the values of acceptance, sharing and caring can be learnt from an early age. Proponents state that the acceptance between different persons and cultures is vital in multicultural population. Acceptance is said to be the bridge toward multiculturalism. The values such as sharing, caring, respect and tolerance follows right after the form of acceptance is succeeded. These values are very important in childrens life for the purpose of the greater good. Malaysias current Prime Minister expresses that the Malaysia education system needs to be imposes with values. He explains that education with values can transform pupils to an exquisite person. He pointed out that values need to be address at young age, not in the old age. He also noted that as the Chinese saying goes, to build a house you have to start at the foundation. (Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers, 2009) Children that are exposed to different multicultural environment can benefit from them by learning about other culture sensitivity. For example, Muslims considered dogs as dirty, thus the non-Malays does not let their dogs near the Muslims. Another example is Indians who belief that cows are sacred and never eats them, therefore, recognizing this, the Chinese and Malays do not ate meat in front of Indians. Albert & Triandis (1985) express that adaptation between two unequal social environments is important for a person who is engages in an ethnic group. Therefore, having multicultural environment helps student to develop the skills, perspectives and attitudes which would takes them to the accepted behavior. Malaysian children are brought up according to their parents belief and religion. The Malays for instance, were brought up according to adat. The adat are values and system of belief or rules according to the Malays. For example, the young ones bow down when walking

Single Stream School System

in front of elder people as a sign of respect. The Chinese and Indians also have their own custom belief and tradition among themselves. However, they are not aware of other tradition. Children are probably never experience with other cultures rather than their own before they went to schools. Hence, school can change the current unawareness by bringing the human understanding, respect for diversity and tranquility in society. Albert & Triandis (1983) explain that usually, a school is where minority groups of ethnic met with other culture for the first time. Thus, the knowledge that they gain from being in this situation is the point that reflect their next feelings and attitudes towards the community. According to Sefa Dei & Opini (2007), unless cultural belief is understood and respected, it will always be troublesome to other culture. They argue that it is therefore it is significance that the current identities and social differences were known to the pupils. Children learning about acceptance at early age can put a stop towards racism. According to Merdeka Centre Ethnic Relations poll, more than half of Malaysians are saying that Malays are lazy, Chinese are greedy and Indians cannot be trusted. This form of stereotyping is one of the examples of lack of values on accepting other culture behavior or racism. Racism among culture is a challenge that will overturn the relationships and connections with other race. Thompson (2003) express that racism is the main fugitive to the separation of multiracial people. It starts off with declination of human and it can further changes to violence that will eliminate the peace between communities. Therefore, to stop racism, the school needs to be the centre of multiracial people. According to Sefa Dei & Opini (2007), many youth use school as the only place for them to build the sense of sharing and socialization. Hence, single stream school should be implemented so that pupils can inculcate the values of sharing, caring and acceptance at an early age.

Single Stream School System

10

However, there are those who argue about the implementation of single stream school system. They are opposing on the fact that it will discourage culture identity. In this sense, the non-Malay culture identity because the single stream school is base on Malay-medium. According to The Star article, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are against the implementation of single stream school as it will ultimately cause other non-Malay culture identity to be lost out and it is a fear that is unbearable for the non-Malay. They are suggesting that the government settle on another way to promote unity. Besides that, they express that the government should look into various measures and consideration such as the needs of other culture in the country including Sabahan and Sarawakian, not just the majority race of the country before taking any unwise implementation steps.(Benjamin & Chan,2009)

Furthermore, they are imposing the single stream school as it will force other culture into Malay culture. Recently, Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz implies on the implementation of single stream school, the government cannot urge other non-Malay to forgo their own culture and language. He claims that by urging the non-Malay to turn into Malay is a total opposite of what the country wish for that is to unite people and citizen of Malaysia. Malaysia citizen has the absolute freedom to learn their own language. Moreover, Malaysia multiethnic and multilingual is the aspect that views the appearance of Malaysia beyond any doubts. (Hoh, 2010)

The implementation of single stream school is to promote unity has apparently becomes difficult when it comes to the national language. Singh & Mukherjee (1993) point out that use of Bahasa Melayu as medium of instruction has always been suspicion to the nonMalay. They regard it as a way of Malays in taking advantage of the minority. Therefore, they feel that it is not secure and agreeing to it would cause more weakness. (p.93)

Single Stream School System

11

Despite the fact that implementing single stream school system will dilute culture identity of the non-Malay, according to the opposition, this argument is inadequate because having single stream school system does not completely put a stop towards the use of the mother tongues of the non-Malay. In regard to this, optional classes for their mother tongue language can be open for the non-Malay students. In an essence, the culture identity of the non-Malay will not be reduced. Even Malay students can also join these classes if they want to learn other language than their own. Thus, according to A. Bahaldin (2009), besides being able to socialize with other race, Malaysian can have options on learning different languages than their own with the implementation of a single stream school system.

National language is needed so that there will be no barrier of communication between races. A research has demonstrated that one of the barriers of making multi-racial friends is because of not being able to speak easily with the other race. (R. Santhiram, 1995) Malaysia needs to have a national language so that this language is use by the citizen of Malaysia. In truth, other countries also introduced a common language but other languages are not neglected. Students can study other language as optional subjects but must required studying the national language

Opening other language subjects to be taught in schools can develop multilingualism between Malaysian. Opening other language classes in schools can make students speak in different languages. In turn, we can have students who speak Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil languages. Being multilingualism has always been considered as importance and has its advantages. For example, multilingualism can instill understanding of another culture. It also can develop respect for other culture. Perez (2009) state that learning other languages helps to make

Single Stream School System

12

other culture felt the individual is celebrating their heritage. Consequently, this allows them to feel the need for sharing and put away the differences between them. Therefore, Malaysia, as a multiethnic population needs the respect and understanding that can be achieve through language.

Other countries are promoting the language education in their curriculum. According to Prof Datuk Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Bajunid, in Europe, people speak three different languages that are Swiss, Italian and German. The people there are using these languages in society. Thus, it is only natural that they learn different languages. He explained that students can choose language that they want to learn in schools as they teach various languages. He point out that the implementation of single stream school system can determine childs attraction in language the early stage and also offers an early preparation for languages. Hence, people should be inviting and amusing on the implementation of single stream school because it offers various language to be taught in schools. (Husna Yusop, 2005)

Furthermore, Malaysia needs to acknowledge the universal approach. People around the world are learning and speaking different languages. They are realizing the benefits of learning languages such as expanding our source of knowledge. Prof Dr Shaik Mohd Noor Alam express that by permitting multilingualism in schools, it can be the right answer of Malaysia to the universal approach. He emphasizes that Malaysia education system needs to resemble and develop multilingualism on the groundwork base on Bahasa Melayu language. He expresses that by suggesting single stream school system, it is signaling that the government is responsive to the universal approach. Therefore, single stream should be implemented in education system so that we are in tune with the universal approach. (Husna Yusop, 2005).

Single Stream School System

13

At the beginning of Islam, the Quran has told its believers about the creation of mankind in diversity. Islam addresses its believers to cherish the diversity in nature and reflect on its wonders and attractiveness. This is proven from ayat in the Quran which states Seest thou not that God sends down rain from the sky? With it We then bring out produce of various colours. And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of various shades of colour, and black intense in hue. And so amongst men and crawling creatures and cattle, are they of various colours.(Surah al-Fatir,27-28) In response to the knowledge of diversity in the world, Islam then asks its followers to unite and not just between Muslims but also between the non-Muslim. It is state in Quran O people, We have created you from a male and a female and made you into races and tribes so that you may know each other. Surely the most honored of you in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous of you (49:13). Islam asks its followers to acquaintance with other races and embraces each other in harmony and respect. Some 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w experience with the situation with multiethnic population on the opening of Madinah. Madinah was made up of multiethnic people, in addition to the Muslims of Aus and Khazraj race; there were also Muslims from Makkah and non-Muslim such as Christians and Jews. In Islam there was never any form of force used to urge other religion to become Muslims. The Prophet declares Constituition of Madinah where the multiethnic population was united and has freedom of religion as long as there is no trouble created between them. The Prophet succeeded in uniting the group of multiethnic people under one constitution.

Single Stream School System

14

In conclusion, it is undeniable that racial integration is important in multiethnic country Malaysia. The current racial polarization has been cause by Malaysia divided stream of education. Indeed, in order for a nation to develop, new steps must be taken. The implementation of single stream school system is beneficial to the nation as it will promote unity and also trains children the values of acceptance at an early age. The increase racial polarization in Malaysia has definitely one of the reasons why the implementation of the single stream school is necessary. However, it would take a lot of convincing justification for the opposition to accept this implementation. This is because, too much sensitivity involved in the issue. Cultural issues have always been difficult in finding compromise. Even some of the Malaysian leaders often found hard to discuss when it comes to culture issue. In regard to this matter, teachers and school plays important role in making sure that the inter-relationship between races are exists. Teachers can make group of multiple races in competition, discussion or projects. This is so that there is interaction between multiple races. It is important that the child does not become racist and only making friends with own ethnicity and believing that own ethnicity is superior to others. Schools also contribute to the interrelationship between races. Schools can organize tournament or programs that involve multiple races. Furthermore, the government also needs to make the national school interesting to the minority in order to make the implementation of single stream school successful. This will help popularize the national school. As a develop country, Malaysia has yet fulfill its vision. The country development relies on its citizen. Thus, in order to succeed, Malaysian has to have the best interest in nation.

Single Stream School System

15

References Ahirudin Attan(2008,December 12).Chinese schools in the crosshairs.My Paper Retrieved January 11,2010 from http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/ Story/A1Story20081212-107211.html Albert,T. & Triandis,H. (1985) Intercultural Education for multicultural societies. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,9,319-337. Azauddin Bahaldin (February 5,2009).Choice of schools:single education will help boost unity. Retrieved February 3,2010 from http://twosen.com/2009/02/05/choice-of-schoolssingleeducation-system-will-help-boost-unity/

Benjamin,N & Chan,K.C. (2009,November 6).NGOs fear loss of unique cultural identity. The Star. Retrieved March 6, 2010 from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file= 2009/11/6/nation/5058138&sec=nation Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (2009, June16) Education in the Commonwealth: towards and beyond global goals and target. Retrieved March 4, 2010 from http://dinmerican.wordpress.com/2009/06/17/education-one-malaysia-globalisation-and
the-commonwealth-a-najibian-version/

Dass. M. (2010, February 24). Church worker heard car driving off after Molotov cocktail attack.

Single Stream School System

16

The Sun. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=42144 Eng.M. (2010, January 14).Revamp schools to foster unity. News Straits Times. Retrieved February 26,2010 from http://www.teo-education.com/teo/?p=4123 Hoh,K.C.(January 4,2010).Nazri against single stream school system. The Sun. Retrieved January 4, 2010 from http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=41741 Husna Yusop(May 21,2005).Making national school the first choice. The Sun.Retrieved March 6,2010 from http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=9160 Kuppusamy,B. (2006,March 24). Rascism alive and well in Malaysia. Asia Times Online. Retrieved February 5, 2010, from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast Asia/HC24Ae01.html Lande,C.(1999)Ethnic conflict, Ethnic Accommodation and nation-building in southeast Asia. Studies in comparative international development, 91-117. Lee, M.(1999).Education in Malaysia: Towards vision 2020.School Effectiveness and School Improvements, 10, 86-98. Malaysian Education Summit.(2004). Revitalizing education: equipping Malaysia for the realities of the 21st century. Mahathir Mohamad(1991).Malaysia the way forward. Centre for Economic Research &

Single Stream School System

17

Services, Malaysian Business Council.\ Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research.(2006).Public opinion poll on ethnic relations. Ethnic relations: Experience, Perception and Expectation Nagy,S. & Williams,K.& Jean,I.(n.d).Education policy in multiethnic society: a review of national policies that promote coexistence and social inclusion. Coexistence International, 1-41. Perez,C.(2009).A study of Multilingual immigrant students and their families.22-26. Robin,G.(2009).Good quotations by famous people. Retrieved January 10, 2010 from http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~robins/quotes.html. Rosnani Hashim.(2004).Education dualism in Malaysia implications for theory and practices. Kuala Lumpur: The Other Press. Santhiram,R.(1995). Friendship pattern in multi-racial schools:with special reference to a minority community in Malaysia, Int. J. Educational Development,15,165-173 Sefa Dei,G. &Opini,B.(2007).Schooling in the context of difference the challenge of postcolonial education in Ghana. International Handbook of Student Experience in Elementary and Secondary School, 463491. Sennyah,P. & Suresh Ram,B.& Ng,E. Wild boar head case:stay calm,stay united. The News

Single Stream School System

18

Straits Times. Retrieved February 24, 2010, from http://www.nst.com.my/Current News/NST/articles/6pse/Articles/index.html Singh,J.,& Mukherjee,H.(1993) Education and national integration in Malaysia stocktaking thirty years after independence. Int. J. Educational Development, 13, 89-102. Thompson,C. (2003). Racial Identity Theory and Peace Education:Tools for the Teacher In All of Us. Interchange, 34/4, 421-447. Tzannatos,Z.(1991) Reverse racial discrimination in higher education in Malaysia: has it reduced inequality and what cost to the poor?. Int. J. Educational Development, 11, 177-192.