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Critics, however, contend that the vernacular system is a structural barrier to national unity. They argue that separate schools, with different languages of instruction and curricula, create segregated childhoods, limiting meaningful interaction between ethnic groups. This has led to policy initiatives like the "Jawi calligraphy" (Khat) introduction in vernacular schools, which sparked intense protest from Chinese education groups who saw it as a threat to their school's character. The government walks a tightrope, attempting to promote Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and a tool for unity, while recognising the political and cultural sensitivities of the vernacular schools.
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Religious education is compartmentalized. When Muslim students go to Pendidikan Islam (Islamic Studies) class, non-Muslims go to Pendidikan Moral (Moral Studies). Moral Studies is often ridiculed by students for teaching abstract values ("respect," "responsibility") via formulaic case studies, while Islamic Studies teaches practical prayer and Quranic recitation. This separation reinforces communal identities rather than fostering shared ethics.
Malaysian schools offer a vibrant and diverse environment, with a range of extracurricular activities and sports. Students can participate in:
