The history of Malaysia’s Chinese language education is said to have its origins in Wu Fu College, and has gone through a period of struggles for survival.

Indeed, up till this very moment, dangers risking its continued existence remains evident. That said, Chinese language education in Malaysia is now basically on a solid path of growth, and we have generations of Chinese language educationists to thank for such epic achievement.

This achievement should serve as a mirror for future generations of Chinese Malaysians to reflect on themselves in learning to put our selfish ego aside, and persistently defend and pass down this prized legacy.

All Chinese language educationists today must harbour a forward-looking and open attitude in striving to mould a more diversified and pragmatic Chinese language education system that aligns with the country’s contemporary situation and needs, brushing aside their preconceptions and prejudices, so that it can be firmly rooted on this land while setting its sights far beyond our shores.

This is the only way to ensure that our children of different ethnic backgrounds can walk out of the comfort zone and shine brilliantly at all corners of this planet with their respectable trilingual competencies.

At the same time, we cannot afford to condone acts of irresponsible extremist politicians who keep disparaging Chinese school students for their lame command of the national language, or wrongfully blaming the Chinese language education system for being unpatriotic.

During her recent election campaign, PH-DAP’s newly minted Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblywoman Pang Sock Tao confidently displayed her all-A’s SPM results–including a distinction in Bahasa Malaysia–in front of the public, smashing allegations by her rivals that Chinese school students are weak in the national language.

Today, the country’s Chinese schools boast an enrolment of more than 20% non-Chinese students, showing that Chinese schools are decisively moving towards diversity, and we vow to make diversity, academic excellence, pragmatism and inclusivity as cornerstones for Chinese language education to continue to prosper on this blessed land of ours.

In view of this, it is timely for the relevant authorities to review the curricula of Chinese primary schools as well as independent Chinese high schools in the country.

The entire spectrum of Chinese language education in Malaysia–from Chinese primary schools, independent high schools, to tertiary institutions–owes its existence to the avid support of individuals and organisations with a strong passion for the prosperity of Chinese language education over the decades.

Sure enough the donors want to see that every single cent handed out to Chinese language education will be optimally spent, and resources shared.

In the meantime, the local Chinese community also hopes that New Era University College can move on in the absence of undesirable disruptions or conflicts.

If everyone would just hold the safeguarding of Chinese language education as their core value in handling matters related to Chinese education, it will be a great blessing for both the Malaysian Chinese community and its aspiration to perpetuate Chinese language education in the country.

And for the sake of advancing such aspiration, we will need to stand united and cast aside our pride, emotion, conflicts and disputes. The on-going controversy between Dong Jiao Zong and Lee Tian Hock, as well as the litigation between Dong Jiao Zong and Dong Zong, could have been averted.

As one of the four major pillars of the Malaysian Chinese community, Sin Chew Daily is bitterly concerned about the war of words between Lee and DJZ. That said, we are insistent that in handling news and statements issued by the conflicting parties, the local Chinese community must not be sacrificed.

At a time the contention was elevated to a level where personal attacks had become a norm, DJZ Higher Learning Centre board of directors acting chairman Lim Joo issued a timely statement to profess the centre’s willingness to reconcile with DJZ, a gesture the latter subsequently expressed its welcome, much to the relief of the community.

Reassuringly, Lee Tian Hock also stopped responding to this matter, allowing the fever to cool off on its own.

For the sake of the future and continued development of Chinese language education in this country, it is imperative that we let go out of our prejudices and ego to genuinely engage in candid consultation.

At 00:20 on May 11, I issued the following instruction to my colleagues in WhatsApp work group:

“The incident surrounding DJZ and Lee Tian Hock has now evolved to a point that all relevant parties have liberally made their voices heard, and such have been prominently carried on local newspapers of late.

“Nevertheless, such a development is not what the local Chinese community would want to see, and we hope that Chinese language education can continue to grow stronger and flourish in this country, so that the students of New Era University College can afford a more pleasant learning environment.

“It is now time for us in the media line to help create a harmonious atmosphere where all involved parties get to sit down calmly and talk, for the interest of the community.

“In view of this, save for conciliatory statements, all other aggressive remarks or comments must not go into publication starting from this moment.

“Let’s safeguard the integrity of Chinese language education together so that the four major pillars which buttress the Malaysian Chinese community can continue to effectively defend the rights of our community.

“Your cooperation is very much appreciated!”

The conflict between Dong Jiao Zong and DJZ Higher Learning Centre Bhd could be traced back to the Dong Zong controversy back in 2014-15, when Yap Sin Tian and Chow Siew Hon amended the constitution of the Higher Learning Centre after being defeated in the organisation’s election, slashing the number of directors for its three founding organisations from five to only two each, far below the number of elected directors!

The crisis had since beset the development of Malaysia’s Chinese language education for almost a decade, until Lee Tian Hock and another anonymous local entrepreneur stepped in to mediate in 2023.

From what we understand, Lee’s subsequent decision to withdraw his donations and his role as mediator could have stemmed from the failure of both sides to reach an accord on the construction of a multi-purpose education complex.

Indeed, Lee should have refrained from making such explosive remarks, but as a developer with urban planning professionalism, his views and suggestions on the multi-purpose education complex should at least be valued by Dong Zong, DJZ, as well as Merdeka University Bhd.

Meanwhile, we believe the three organisations had their own reasons to press ahead with the construction of the education complex, and we feel that Lee should also make an attempt to understand this and come up with other viable solutions or alternatives.

It is our wish that DZ, DJZ, Merdeka University and DJZ Higher Learning Centre could reconcile and stand united once again, so that their discord would not hamper the growth of New Era University College which is collectively funded by the Chinese community.

Perhaps these organisations should consider inviting Lee and the anonymous entrepreneur to once again come together to hammer out the most optimal solution for the best interest of Malaysia’s Chinese language education.

However, it will be awesome if both parties feel they can sit down and talk without having to enlist the help of any mediator, and I believe this is what the Malaysia Chinese community longs to see ultimately. I am positive that all involved parties are logical, wise, mature and sensible community leaders!

For the sake of the future and continued development of Chinese language education in this country, it is imperative that we let go out of our prejudices and ego to genuinely engage in candid consultation.