It was truly disheartening to come across the Facebook post by PAS Information Chief and MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, which was not only malicious but also aimed at highlighting the educational background of DAP-Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao, insinuating that her exceptional SPM results were somehow tied to her attendance at a vernacular school.
While he issued a half-hearted apology upon realizing her outstanding academic achievements, scoring all A’s in her SPM exams, he still chose to subtly encourage the public to exploit the issue of vernacular schools for political gain during the election campaign.
This tactic is not just divisive and irresponsible but deeply racist at its core, and Malaysians must vehemently reject this type of politics if we are to foster unity and progress in our nation.
As a two-term Member of Parliament, I expect Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, a federal lawmaker, to engage with Pang’s manifesto, her stance on social justice, anti-corruption measures, and her plans for the development of Kuala Kubu Bahru. However, he instead opted to fixate on her educational background.
It begs the question whether Ahmad Fadhli Shaari himself completed his SPM examinations or not, as his focus seems to be on divisive tactics rather than substantive issues.
There’s a clear distinction between questioning a candidate’s academic qualifications and maliciously targeting their ethnicity, as Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has done. Furthermore, his attempts to revive the issue of vernacular schools after Pang’s academic excellence is not only petty but also reveals a vengeful spirit.
If Ahmad Fadhli Shaari were to momentarily remove his blinders, he would realize that many Malay and Indian families also opt to send their children to Chinese vernacular schools, further debunking his narrow-minded narrative.
The burning question now is whether the BERSATU-Perikatan Nasional candidate, Khairul Azhari Saut, agrees with his coalition partner PAS MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s divisive stance on vernacular schools, solely to secure votes.
As a candidate vying for a seat in Kuala Kubu Bahru, which hosts a total of seven vernacular schools – five SJKCs and two SJKTs, it is imperative that Khairul Azhari Saut clarifies his stance on the existence of vernacular schools. Does he share the view of his PAS comrades, or does he align with the opinion of a BERSATU MP who advocates for the abolition of vernacular schools?
I, along with the people of Kuala Kubu Bahru, eagerly await PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut’s response and his position on vernacular schools.
Teresa Kok