LETTER | The 3,000 delegates at the 11th World Tamil Conference were elated when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that requirements for Tamil to be taught as an additional language in secondary schools can be relaxed.

His announcement drew loud cheers and thunderous applause from the crowd when he suggested that the education minister make the necessary adjustments to 10 and even allow 9 or 11 students for Tamil language classes.

This clearly shows the prime minister's concern about the needs of the multiracial communities in the country.

The current condition requires a minimum of 15 students for a Tamil language class to be held in secondary schools.

Surprisingly, the prime minister responded immediately to the request of the joint chairman of the conference, M Saravanan.

In his earlier speech, Saravanan pleaded with the prime minister to allow the Tamil language to be taught in cases with fewer than 15 students.

Anwar reiterated he will encourage the learning of Tamil and hopes to make it an additional language in public schools.

The prime minister added he will discuss with Education Minister Fadhina Sidek about promoting the languages in schools nationwide.

Now, it is the education ministry’s responsibility to resolve administrative issues and teachers shortage if any, and immediately implement the prime minister's directive.

There are cases where inconsistencies, lackadaisical attitude and slow to react to issues are causing the education fraternity to face trouble.

Understandably, several Malay NGOs are calling for the closing of Tamil and Chinese schools because they were not helping in the integration efforts.

Meanwhile, Fadhlina has responded to the prime minister’s recommendation that the education ministry examine and study how rules on teaching Tamil in secondary schools can be relaxed as this was a new issue.

Parents must play an important role too. Sending children to Tamil classes must be a choice for parents and students instead of a sentiment-based decision.

Despite the governmental support, Tamil education and Tamil as a subject in secondary schools must be aggressively promoted by non-governmental organisations and political parties on both sides of the divide.

As we know, vernacular schools have long been recognised in the legislative framework of the education system even before Merdeka.

Following the country’s independence on Aug 31, 1957, vernacular schools were given due recognition under the Education Act 1961 and 1996.

Anwar also announced an additional RM 2 million for University Malaya’ss Indian Studies Department.

He hoped the university’s senate will support the Tamil studies project and possibly translate some of the great works.

The three days conference was held from 21 to Jul 23 at University Malaya Chancellery Hall, Kuala Lumpur.

On a similar note, since education is a priority, it should be inclusive of all schools irrespective of the medium of instruction or type of school.

The state of Tamil schools in the country will also always be a cause for concern.

Though after 65 years of independence, the Tamil schools are worrying. The vast majority of the students come from poor households.

Now there are only 528 Tamil schools in the country with 79, 309 students. In 1980 there were 589 Tamil primary schools.

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