Racial composition in schools must be balanced

Political will needed to correct racial disparity


All Malaysians should rally behind Raja Muda of Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah in his call for a more balanced racial composition of school leaders, teachers and students that would reflect the multi-racial composition of the nation. We hope more leaders would come forward to echo his call to urge the government to implement this restructuring without delay.

Schools should have a conducive and balanced environment and the government must have the political will to handle this well and not make it a racial issue. The racial prejudice and intolerance in any society can be greatly diluted by ensuring a racially balanced population in that society.

We have witnessed this phenomenon in our own country. Most Malaysians will agree that there was more ethnic and religious tolerance in the sixties and over the years it has eroded slowly but surely. The schools and civil service then had a balanced ratio of the various races all going about their jobs harmoniously.

Today we seem to be happy to stay isolated, helping and interacting within our own individual communities. Our children hardly work and play together as Malaysians.

This unfavorable situation has to change and it has to start early in school. Racial unity and harmony are assets that must be taught to be treasured and cherished.

After years of racial segregation, it would be a monumental task ahead to redirect the education system in right direction towards fostering racial integration and tolerance in our schools. The first step in this endeavor will be to correct the racial disparity of teachers and students in all our schools.

We hope we will have the political will to persevere until we succeed.

Dr.Chris Anthony