Vital to preserve, maintain strong racial bond in schools, says Melaka exco member

Truly muhibbah: Rais (fifth from left) posing with a group picture with attendees to the annual dinner of Kwong Fook Association at Tanjung Minyak.

MELAKA: The state government here will build the spirit of unity in education by getting students from various races to be part of a multi-ethnic team, says Datuk Rais Yasin.

"We will continue to preserve and maintain our strong racial bond in schools,” said the state education, technology and telecommunication committee chairman.

"For instance, in my Paya Rumput constituency there are national, Chinese and Tamil primary schools close to each other," he added after attending the Kwong Fook Association's annual dinner at Tua Pek Kong Temple at Tanjung Minyak here on Wednesday (Feb 22) night.

The event was also attended by Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong, Ayer Keroh lawmaker Kerk Chee Yee, Klebang assemblyman representative Melvin Chua, Mediway Medical Services chief operating officer Dr M. Ganeshwaran and hotelier Dennis Samford.

On Jan 28, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said he wanted schools to work towards promoting a harmonious environment and unity by organising “muhibbah” programmes.

He said zero tolerance for discrimination, diversion, or segregation based on the ethnicity of the students will be tolerated in the state under his helm.

Sulaiman said he wished to see more programmes related to unity being organised by schools in the state.

He said schools should ensure quality and equity in education for all students.