JOHOR BARU: The existence of Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools in this country must be respected, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the vernacular schooling system has been inherited in the country for a long time.
"We inherited a system where there are national schools (Sekolah Kebangsaan) for all races, as well as Chinese and Tamil schools.
"This diversity (of schools) reflects the demographic composition of areas, with some comprising 100 per cent Malays, while others have Chinese and Indian majorities.
"The presence of vernacular schools is something that doesn't need to be changed. Our role is to provide space, understanding, and respect," he said during the the national-level Unity Week 2024 Celebration here tonight.
Also in attendance were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Anwar further highlighted that differences in race, skin colour and language are acknowledged by the Al-Quran.
"That is why we cannot ignore what the Al-Quran teaches us.
"We come from different races, tribes (kabilah), regions, states, skin colours, and languages.
"The Al-Quran emphasises the need to recognise these differences and respect each other."
