I refer to the letter Integration in schools, non-bumi students lost and would like to give my opinion.

It is true that integration in schools may be one-sided, in the sense that on one hand, the government encourages integration in many facets of our Malaysian life but on the other hand, often shows a contradictory side.

However, another way to see it is that this only serves to make non-bumiputeras more realistic, flexible and better able to integrate. Non-bumi's may be better able to face challenges such as globalisation, studying or working overseas and working in culturally diverse multinational companies.

The ability to integrate and accept other people's differences, and to perhaps harmonise those differences to produce a synergy, is probably an extremely critical element to survive in today's ultra-competitive and globalising world. I would definitely send my children to a national school. Why? Because of the following facts:

They get exposed to other races, irregardless of their academic abilities or social background. This helps prepare them for their adult life.

ADS

The bumi get transferred to Mara or other elite schools. This only makes it easier for my kids to score better results - less competition. 10As for the SPM is still 10As irregardless of whether it is from a prestigious Mara college or a small-town national school.

They will learn the Malay language, which is important. This means they will (hopefully) be able to master at least three languages, ie, Bahasa Malaysia, English and Chinese. That's a competitive advantage in my opinion.

I went to a national school, and it has provided me with a good foundation. There is so much our kids can learn from children of other races and backgrounds. Some are good influences and some not so good, but I believe that's all part of the experience of growing up in Malaysia.