It seems so near yet so far — Lim Mun Fah

29 SEPT — One after another good news related to Chinese education has been announced in the recent few days. From the education point of view, it is indeed a good intention that should be appreciated.

However, we have to admit that our education has always been inseparable from politics. No matter how innocent an educational activity seems, both the ruling and alternative coalitions are actually either trying to claim the credit or fighting behind the scene, emitting a strong scent of election.

Politics is ubiquitous and since we have no way to avoid it, we can only face it. That is also why many people engaging in education have also touched politics, tried to understand politics or even get involved in politics.

However, politics is no fun at all. Once politics is involved in education, no matter what you say or what decision you make, it might trigger a controversy or, even worse, cause hatred against you.

We always liken the development of Chinese education in Malaysia to a tragic struggling history. From the British colonial era to the post-independent period, we have been filled with a sense of crisis. Sometimes, we are too pessimistic to see the road ahead.

However, pessimism could sometimes be a force. Because we are pessimistic, we have a strong sense of crisis and because we are having the strong sense of crisis, we are warned and inspired. We are reminded to be cautious and not to give up easily, and at the same time, encouraged not to bow to reality.

We are looking forward to a bright future for Chinese education but we must also understand that once politics is involved in education, the true spring for Chinese education will never arrive. If we are not alert and get carried away after tasting some sweetness while neglecting the importance of self-awareness and self-vigilance, the future development of Chinese education would be affected.

We certainly do not want such a development and thus we hope that there would not be regret in the future for Chinese community leaders in various fields due to the current negligence.

In fact, we do not ask for much and what we need is not only funding. We are looking forward to a fairer, institutionalised, more open and transparent education policy, instead of an education system that operates based on political considerations.

The spring of Chinese education seems so near yet so far and tortuous. However, it does not matter as the most important thing is to adhere to the goal and never give up! — mysinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.

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