Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Malaysia commits to Tamil schools as long-delayed Sungai Bakap project begins
Education Minister Fadhlina Pandiman has reaffirmed the government's commitment to preserving Tamil vernacular schools, as construction finally commences on a RM12.6 million educational facility in Perak after nearly two decades of delays.
LSN Malaysia ·
NIBONG TEBAL — The government will not close any Tamil vernacular schools, Education Minister Fadhlina Pandiman pledged on Friday, as construction began on the Sungai Bakap Tamil school project in Perak following a 17-year wait.
The RM12.6 million facility represents a significant commitment to Tamil-medium education in Malaysia, with the minister's assurance coming amid ongoing concerns about the sustainability of vernacular schools in the country.
The lengthy delay in commencing the Sungai Bakap project underscores previous obstacles faced in developing Tamil educational infrastructure. The minister's public commitment during the groundbreaking ceremony is intended to provide reassurance to Tamil-speaking communities that the government supports the continuation of Tamil vernacular education.
The facility is expected to enhance educational access for Tamil-speaking students in the region once completed. The project's commencement marks a reversal of the extended period during which the initiative remained stalled.
The pledge to maintain Tamil schools aligns with broader government policy on preserving Malaysia's multilingual educational landscape, though challenges in funding and enrollment have affected several vernacular institutions nationally.