Allocate RM50 million to mission schools nationwide

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement to allocate RM50 million to mission schools nationwide for upgrading work and other projects has generally been well received and is something that has been along awaited.

It is better late than never. This is a good start to come to the assistance of these mission schools which have been overlooked in our nation’s educational development.

As Najib pointed out very rightly – he himself being a product of St John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur – mission schools have contributed significantly to Malaysia’s development by producing many national leaders and corporate figures in the service of the Nation.

It is most appropriate for mission schools to be given financial assistance as they deserve it in view of their contributions to educational development.

As an old Michaelian and a product of La Sallian education I have benefited from the commitment and tireless efforts of the dedicated Brothers and teachers during the formative years of my life.

Dedicated Brothers and Teachers of the La Sallian Schools in Malaysia have selflessly given their best years to provide quality education to hundreds of thousands of Malaysian students of all races.

To enable these very devoted La Sallian Brothers to further their contribution to all La Sallian Schools, the Government should consider to extend their present mandatory retirement age of 55 till 58 as allowed for other teachers.

These mission schools have contributed immensely to the distinctive brand of La Sallian tradition, a tradition that stands for high academic standards, character-building, discipline, patriotism, and an environment where students of all races and religions mix freely.

It is these Brothers, among others, that brought the English language to our forefathers and us, a gift that we now recognize as the key to knowledge and international competitiveness.

Those of us who have experienced and are privileged to witness the ethos and tradition instilled by the dedication of the La Sallian Brothers and Teachers have a responsibility to pass on and to uphold this tradition.

Mission schools must continue to flourish and help the Nation to break down the unhealthy trend of racial polarization among students in our schools today.

What needs to be emphasized is that mission schools do not indoctrinate and convert students to Christianity but on the contrary promote moral education, nationhood and loyalty to the Nation.

A school is not just stones and bricks, rather it is the dedication of its teachers, its tradition and the respect and love it commands from its students.