4 Reasons Why More Malay Parents Are Choosing Vernacular Schools Over National Schools

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The Education Ministry provided data in a parliamentary reply on 10 November 2020, revealing a 6.18% increase in Malay students at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKCs) nationwide during that period.

However, the ministry also highlighted that the proportion of Malay students enrolled at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) or national schools has remained stable, hovering at around 93 to 94% from 2010 to 2020.

These include the desire for their children to learn Mandarin, the comprehensive facilities provided by vernacular schools, and the improved quality of teaching and learning.

Vernacular schools are also perceived to offer many advantages over national schools, such as better facilities, a more dedicated and organised alumni network, and a strong focus on mastering Mandarin and English.

Many parents are also drawn to the strong academic reputation of these institutions.

Below are the four main reasons for the increase in Malay enrolment at SJKCs:

Parents recognise the value of multilingualism in a globalised world.

And Mandarin, with its burgeoning economic power, offers exciting career prospects. Vernacular schools provide an immersive environment for mastering this language, thereby giving students a competitive edge.

According to National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) deputy president Abd Ghani Zainudin, the number of Malay students studying in vernacular schools in Negeri Sembilan has increased significantly.

"[The parents] see children studying in vernacular schools as having advantages compared to national schools, especially in terms of mastering Mandarin," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Malaysian Muslim Teachers Association (i-Guru) president Mohd Azizee Hassan also echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Parents now see Malaysia as a pluralistic country... they also want their children to learn other languages for economic and future career purposes."

In addition to language, parents are attracted to the well-equipped infrastructure and organised alumni support found in many vernacular schools in the country. These factors contribute to a conducive learning environment, fostering better engagement and potentially leading to improved academic performance.

"Vernacular schools... [have] advantages in terms of fundraising for the school and student development... most vernacular school alumni... are seen to be more determined and better organised," noted Abd Ghani.

"Some Malay students who studied in Chinese schools could master English and Mandarin better because generally, both languages are the mediums of instruction in these schools," Rafizah Cian Ling Abdullah, a Malay parent who sent her child to an SJKC, told the English daily.

According to Mohd Azizee, the improved quality of teaching and learning (PnP) in science and mathematics has motivated parents to choose vernacular schools over SKs for their children.

Meanwhile, national school teacher Che Wan Rosida Wan Hasan said she deliberately chose to send her children to a vernacular school.

"I feel this can have a great impact on attitude, thinking, and increased learning diligence. The advantage of children studying in vernacular schools can help them master Mandarin and English well because both languages are the mediums of instruction in such schools," she said.

She emphasised that her personal experience in witnessing her children's performance and achievements in school was commendable and on par with other students.

Many Malay parents are also realising that attending a vernacular school exposes their children to different cultures and languages fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity and preparing them for a better life in a multicultural society like Malaysia.

According to Che Wan Rosida, the canteen at the SJKC where her kids attend provides halal food, and there are male and female teachers teaching Kafa (Islamic Education).