Teachers’ group appeals over constitutionality of vernacular schools

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ikatan Guru-Guru Muslim Malaysia (I-Guru) has filed an appeal in its legal challenge over the constitutionality of vernacular schools in Malaysia.

Lawyer Datuk Shaharudin Ali, who is representing I-Guru, confirmed that the notice of appeal was filed on Tuesday (May 31).

The appeal was against a decision by the Kota Baru High Court that dismissed their legal challenge over the validity of vernacular schools last week.

In the notice of motion, I-Guru president Mohd Azizee Hasan said they were not satisfied with the decision by Judicial Commissioner Mohamad Abazafree Mohd Abbas that rejected its originating summons.

In its originating summons, I-Guru sought a declaration that Section 28 and Section 17 of the Education Act 1996 that allowed Mandarin and Tamil to be used in vernacular schools were inconsistent with Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, and therefore the provisions were null and void.

In his decision last week, JC Mohamad Abazafree said that vernacular schools were valid and constitutional.