Non-Malays play important role in nation-building

I refer to Chok Suat Ling’s comment ‘Bring the honour back to teaching’ NST 19/5/2011. I also echo the same sentiments expressed by her in the courageous comments. I am sure all incentives and goodies announced by the government recently, will serve as a moral boost for educators, especially for those holding administrative posts. 

We are not sure how these promotions and incentives will benefit the other normal teachers. A few have already expressed their concern that they are always left out in enjoying the perks whenever rewards are announced by the government.   What about teachers holding PhDs and Master degrees? They also seem to be left out. All such issues need to be addressed and solution ought to be sought. 

The other point as pointed out vividly by Suat Ling is the issue of non-Malays in the teaching force. I remember raising this point some years ago- ‘Non-Malay the missing ingredient’ NST 30/4/2008). Currently, non- Malays do not form the bulk of the teaching force. The number of non-Malay headmasters and principals of schools are regrettably low now. 

The current ratio of 10% non-Malay teachers in the teaching force need to be increased and more non-Malays should be given headmaster and principals post to reduce the clear imbalance that exists now.

Cries that non-Malays are not interested in teaching cannot be accepted now. We hear that many young non-Malays are lamenting that their application to become teachers has always been turned down.

 It is sad to note this imbalance as this situation doesn’t reflect the 1 Malaysia concept actively promoted and pursed by the government. Mere singing or chanting the 1Malaysia songs and slogans do not foster the concept of 1Malaysia, a noble notion mooted by our Prime Minster some years ago. In truth, the notion is far from becoming a reality. 

We do not want this concept to just remain as a utopian notion, but gradually as a social acceptance of all races in the country.  I believe we need more time and sacrifice for this noble concept to sink into the depths of the Malaysian’s minds.  That is the optimistic wish and desire of all Malaysians. 

I believe we need more radical changes in policies and strategies to recruit more non-Malays to join the teaching force, and become partners in nation-building.

Unity

National unity: Everyone must help to create

I REFER to your report on the issue of Bangsa Malaysia "Bangsa Malaysia stems from a state of mind, says Najib" (NST, May 26). First of all, is Bangsa Malaysia a reality or a utopian concept? The word "bangsa" has many meanings. Here it is not meant to refer to a particular race or an ethnic group. In this context, it simply means peoples of one nation. We are Malaysians, like peoples of other nations such as Indonesia, Britain, Australia, Japan or Nigeria.

As the deputy prime minister has put it, this concept will become a reality when Malaysians relate to each other on the basis of nationality, i.e. Malaysian. After all, we are one race, i.e. Malaysian, irrespective of our colour, ethnicity, religion or mother tongue.

We should not perceive Bangsa Malaysia as an abstract concept, but as a reality that exists in the nation.

Does Bangsa Malaysia really exist? We are already seeing traces of this budding concept.

For example, in times of calamity, we stand together as one, as a Malaysian, rather then as a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan. When our players compete in any sports or tournaments, they represent Bangsa Malaysia.

This can further be fostered through our education system. Our schools should play a prominent role in promoting the concept of Bangsa Malaysia in order to make it a reality.

In order to achieve Bangsa Malaysia, we as Malaysians should work hand in hand towards this reality. In the process, we need to make sacrifices. The reality of Bangsa Malaysia is dependent on our giving up communally-based thoughts, ideas and assumptions.

For a start, we should now think and act more like a Malaysian, not as a member of an ethnic group. All the roadblocks to the formation of Bangsa Malaysia should be eliminated slowly but gradually.

For example, we still need to fill in details of race in application forms, a practice we should clearly do away with.