PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has proposed that Tamil and Mandarin be introduced as subjects in national schools to help strengthen racial unity.
The Kubang Kerian MP said language barriers often created suspicion among communities, and learning each other’s languages could foster better understanding.
“Sometimes, when the Chinese speak among themselves, Malays don’t understand. It’s the same when Indians speak in Tamil. This causes mistrust,” he said.
“Can we introduce Tamil and Mandarin as subjects in national schools so that our children can learn and understand each other?” he said at the opening of the PAS supporters’ wing’s congress at the Gandhi Hall here today.
He said Bahasa Melayu must also be strengthened as the national language, warning that Malaysians should not reach a point where they cannot understand the national anthem or speak basic Malay.
Tuan Ibrahim dismissed claims that PAS or Perikatan Nasional would impose Islamic laws on non-Muslims if they were in power, stressing that they respected religious freedom.
He said PAS supported the continued existence of Chinese and Tamil schools, describing language as an important part of cultural identity.
He also urged the PAS supporters’ wing to increase its membership from the current 68,000, adding that its members could one day be fielded as election candidates.
“It’s not impossible. One day, the wing could have an MP in Parliament,” he said.
