PN will not shut down vernacular schools, says Wan Fayhsal

Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said vernacular schools are not a major feature in PN’s campaign for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, which is more focussed on economic issues. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional’s stance on vernacular schools is clear in that the coalition will never shut them down, says Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.

He was commenting on Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s “apology” for questioning DAP candidate Pang Sock Tao’s educational qualifications, and his attempt to highlight that she had graduated from a vernacular school.

At a press conference today, Wan Fayhsal said PN is not against vernacular schools, and only advocates for their “enrichment” with the national curriculum.

“As we said in Parliament, we would love vernacular schools to be enriched with the national curriculum so that they reflect our national character.

“But, in principle, PN will never shut down vernacular schools,” he said.

Wan Fayhsal said the issue was not a major point of contention in PN’s campaign for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, and that the coalition was more focussed on economic issues.

He said Fadhli’s comment was merely in response to the questioning of PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut’s educational background.

“We have answered this. It was not a lie. He has an executive master’s degree (in business management) issued by Universiti Malaysia Pahang.

“I think (debating) vernacular schools will not benefit either candidate because we are electing a state assembly representative, not an MP,” he said.

Wan Fayhsal also called on the Election Commission to investigate health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad for allegedly handing out envelopes in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

“We were shocked by pictures of Dzulkefly handing out envelopes. I’m not sure what was in the envelopes, but they were handed out in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

“I call on the EC to investigate what ‘sweets’ the Madani ministers offer every time they campaign in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

“This raises questions as to how far the EC’s enforcement of election laws goes. If the opposition makes a little mistake, we will definitely face action. But the government is left alone. We ask for the EC to answer about this double standard,” he said.

Dzulkefly has been accused on social media of handing out money to voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu.