One for All

One for All

Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow there, firm as weeds among rocks. -Charlotte Bronte-

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Recently there has been an aggressive call from a group of prominent bloggers on the issue of ‘one school for all campaign’ (Kempen Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua). An online petition made exclusively for this matter is steadily garnering support from Malaysians of all walks of life, a testament of a dream that is one Malaysia.

Kudos to the bloggers and supporters on their effort.

The idea of establishing a single schooling system is not at all new. If we track back the history of this country, we can see instances where such noble idea be put forward but for each time it is done, it will be shot down and suppressed as if a taboo.

Now I wish to say that that idea needs to be applied in this country, permanent.

A lot of things have been achieved by this country albeit its young age of 50 years compared to other nations in the world. Starting from a backwater British colony, this country has been able to propel itself to greater heights that perhaps unimaginable by our forefathers.

However I personally believe that all those achievements are measured under the context of material and economic prosperity alone with less regards to what I should call as social achievement especially on the issue of racial integration.

As the country progresses materially, the cohesiveness between the races in this country continues to lose its adhesion. The tension between races nowadays seems to be far greater compared to the situation a generation ago and as day goes by the tension keeps on adding. Some blame this situation on the unjust enjoyment over the economic cake, some on pure chauvinism, some on poor government policies and some on the politicians who have penchant for rousing racist issues… the list could go on and on…

Adalah mudah untuk menuding jari and to accuse others over the problem. As the debate on who to blame goes on, nothing realistic has been done to solve it.

For me, the single school system and the abolishment of all vernacular system is one of the best solutions to the problem. The school once implemented will be able to act as the main foundation in fostering good values to the children across the races which will then eliminate any prejudices and intolerances between them. It may sound utopian but there is good possibility that it will be a success.

A utopian dream set aside, the implementation of the ‘one school system’ is not a walk in a park… that I can assure you. It will be furiously and openly opposed.

Nevertheless its implementation will ensure the end of racial segregation within the minds on the children whom one day will be adults that perhaps will embrace and practice the concept of one-Malaysia. It is still not too late to inculcate the feeling of true tolerance and unity within the minds of our children AND to salvage what left of the best of us.

Support the campaign. Sign the petition.