Wilfred Yap Calls on Vernacular Schools Policies To Be Flexible
Kota Sentosa State assemblyman Wilfred Yap urged for flexibility and practicality in policies concerning vernacular schools, following remarks by Ridhuan Tee Abdullah calling for the abolition or full privatisation of government-funded Chinese vernacular schools over the issue of alcohol being served at certain school events.
Yap described the comments as insensitive and disconnected from the realities faced by these schools.
“Chinese vernacular schools are not fully funded by the government. While the Ministry of Education covers teachers’ salaries and certain operational costs, school boards still have to shoulder the burden of maintaining and upgrading facilities,” he said.
He explained that to bridge funding gaps, many schools depend on community fundraising and renting out their halls for private events.
“A rigid, one-size-fits-all policy is neither appropriate nor practical. Many school halls are rented for private functions outside school hours, and students are not involved. These events are managed transparently by the school boards and do not compromise the schools’ integrity or purpose,” he added.
Yap said policies on the use of school facilities should be guided by fairness and context.
“It is reasonable that events involving students remain alcohol-free. However, when halls are used for private functions where students are not present, such usage should be allowed under clear conditions instead of being prohibited outright,” he said.
He stressed that Chinese vernacular schools have long been part of Malaysia’s education system, nurturing academic excellence and cultural diversity.
“To single them out for criticism or question their legitimacy because of fundraising practices shows a lack of understanding of their financial realities and their contribution to national education,” he said.
Yap urged the government to work with school boards and local communities to create balanced policies that respect accountability while recognising the autonomy of these schools.
“Education should unite Malaysians, not be used as a wedge for division or blame,” he said.
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