Jointly reported by:
Siow Wei Khuan 16586 Sr2ScF
Lee Ai Lin 16642 Sr2ScC
Ng Ting Hui 16915 Sr2ScF
For the Learning Activity on Saturday, 15 February 2020, Senior 2 and Senior 3 students of Kuen Cheng High School are entitled to a talk on civic education given by Mr Tang Ah Chai, who intends to continue his take on the topic.
Mr Tang started his talk by asking the opinions of students. His first question is strongly related to the recognition of UEC by the education ministry, which has been a hot topic amongst Malaysians since Pakatan Harapan’s shocking victory in the 2018 elections two years ago. During the election, we have been promised that the UEC examination certificate will gain recognition and admission from the ministry, but they have yet to do so until today. The main factor of this problem is that Malaysia’s education authority may see this as the peoples’ reaction to an unsatisfying education system, and admitting the UEC examination certificate will prove that they feel the same way. One Sr3 student is eager to share his opinions on the matter, saying that some subjects such as Sejarah, Pendidikan Moral has KBAT questions that are purely irrelevant to what they need to learn in school or later in life, and is designed to limit a student’s creativity, thus critical thinking demoted. Mr Tang then asked another student what may happen if the UEC examination is indeed accepted by local universities. The question prompts a rather optimistic response this time, as one student thinks that this will provide students with a broader field of careers to choose from that are more related to their interest.
Next, Mr Tang told us that Malaysia elections follow the simple majority of votes from different districts and that the success of a district is considered as one vote as a whole. The decision cast by voters, which determines the allegiance of a district, is heavily influenced by the race, culture and virtues of the majority of voters in that area, as well the geographical differences of different districts. For instance, non-Muslims preaching to Muslims about their religion are considered a crime and different district recognizes different examination certificates. This raises a question that is concerning Mr Tang’s previous question: are the values of the different examination certificates in Malaysia equivalent? In accordance with that, what action should the government take towards the issue of “Undi Rosak”, whereby certain frustrated citizens deliberately spoil their votes when they are not pleased with the democratic process and choices presented to them? Mr Tang then raised an issue that he thinks heavily affects these public matters: racial discrimination amongst Malaysians has produced misconceptions towards certain issues that are heavily influencing the people’s votes. Once again using the controversial issue of the recognition of the UEC examination certificate as an example whereby eighty per cent of non-Chinese citizens in Malaysia opposes the approval of such examination by the education ministry. Mr Tang pointed out that such an act that may be considered an atrocity for some Chinese citizen is becoming a growing tumor that inhibits Malaysia’s growth exists because citizens are starting to perceive this as a racial equality issue and are starting to take sides. Therefore, Mr Tang thinks that a strong leader is required to unite both sides by building mutual respect and tolerance. He also shared that to overcome racial discrimination, we must make friends with people of different race and religion.
Finally, Mr Tang discussed Pakatan Harapan’s and our PM’s role in advancing Malaysia’s economy from his new leadership transition and whether he will keep his promise that he had made during the last elections. In this case, our students have shared wild optimism for Malaysia’s future. One student expressed his belief in Tun Mahathir fulfilling the Wawasan 2030 plan that he had proposed and his confidence in Malaysia’s car industry. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm taking on the subject, Mr Tang is relieved that our country’s future is in good hands. To follow the quote of author Peter Drucker that has been affectionately used by one of our students: “The best way to predict the future is to create it”. Therefore, our country’s future depends on the new generations’ hard work and commitment to our country.
As for me, I feel that it is inspiring that so many of our students care so deeply and have high hopes for our country. Kuen Cheng High School has a reputation for having bright and talented students, and it is inspiring to witness their patriotism in this talk. I believe that together, we will run to our country’s aid with love, and peace will follow.
