Malaysia’s education system failing national unity test

Malaysia's education system is failing to instill national unity, with children developing intolerance towards others based on their food choices, religious beliefs or symbols, according to recent revelations. Primary school pupils have reportedly refused to sit beside classmates of a different faith, citing pork consumption or wearing a cross as reasons for exclusion.

This intolerance is not merely a minor classroom incident but a failure of national education, as it teaches children to view differences as contamination and fellow Malaysians as unworthy of friendship. Malaysia's schools have long celebrated diversity through events and slogans, yet actual unity in daily school life remains absent.

The Rukun Negara, a national principle, should not be merely symbolic but visible in how children treat each other. Unity requires children to develop genuine relationships across communities in school life rather than being isolated in separate childhoods. Education policy must be fair, with transparent and needs-based assistance for the disadvantaged, and not perpetuate racial biases.

History lessons should emphasize Malaysia's cooperative founding, teaching children about negotiation, compromise, and cooperation among diverse communities. Unity must be embedded in every subject, school, and level of education, with measurable indicators to assess progress.