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“Chinese primary schools should be closed”- Dr Adham Baba should be prosecutedMedia Statement by Raymond Chong (Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday): Although it was reported in the press that the UMNO Youth Education Bureau Chairman, Dr Adham Baba, has apologized for his earlier statement that the Chinese primary schools should be closed, the authorities should nonetheless continue with their investigations and take the necessary legal action against him. On 15th November, DAPSY has lodged a police report against Dr Adham Baba’s seditious statement, which the latter uttered in respond to the DAP and some Chinese educationists’ opposition to the Barisan Nasional 2:4:3 formula, ie to use English to teach mathematic and science in standard one starting from next year.
Dr Adham Baba’s statement violated the Sedition Act and the Article 152 (1) (a) of the Federal constitution that "no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using (otherwise than for official purposes), or from teaching or learning, any other language".
A similar case occurred in 1971 involving Utusan Melayu which was found guilty of sedition for carrying a report with the sub-heading "Hapuskan Sekolah-Sekolah Beraliran Tamil atau China di-Negeri ini", which was held as questioning one of the four entrenched sensitive issues in the Constitution.
What Dr Adham Baba had done should not be taken lightly in view of the multi-racial and multi-religious nature of the Malaysian society. It is the responsibility of all sectors, especially political leaders, to help preserve our social fabric and not stir up controversial issues which will provoke racial tension. Dr Adham Baba’s outburst has the potential of provoking racial sentiment which is most harmful on the country’ development.
Although Dr Adham Baba has apologized for his uncalled for statement, but the damage his action might cause should not be underestimated. It is pertinent for legal action to be taken against him in order to deter similar incident from happening in the future.
Legal action against Dr Adham Baba will also set an example to the young generation of Malaysians that it is the duty of all citizens to preserve national unity and to respect each other’s rights. The bad example set by UMNO Youth as manifested by Dr Adham Baba’s statement should never be emulated. - Raymond Chong -
* Raymond Chong, DAPSY National Assistant Organising Secretary and DAPSY Chief for Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur |