Tamil schools started in this country in 1816 and have contributed
immensely to the development of this nation. Many successful Indians
in our country have studied in Tamil schools.This is indeed a genuine effort in ensuring a brighter future as most of the Tamil schools operating now are in a sad state.
The biggest change that would result in bouquets for the government would be converting all the 523 schools from their partially-aided status to fully-aided government schools.
I grew up in Bukit Jalil Estate, not far from the school which the prime minister visited.
I remember an incident where the Bukit Jalil Tamil school's elevated plank floor suddenly gave way, throwing the teacher and students into shock. Some students were injured.
The Tamil school in Bukit Jalil did not have flush system toilets until 2007, although it was only 7km from Kuala Lumpur.
Incidentally, Bukit Jalil Estate and Kinrara Estate were under the same estate owners, although both the estates were later fragmented and sold for development.
As a suggestion, the way forward for the government would be to invite all plantation owners, such as Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and Taiko Plantation, with the help of the Malaysian Estate Owners Association, to surrender the land on which Tamil schools stand to the Education Ministry.
Once the schools come under the Federal Government, we can shape the standard of the schools, both physically and psychologically.
Tamil schools are here to stay. They are a matter of pride and dignity for more than half of Indian Malaysians.
Education has become the most important and critical concern for every Indian parent.
It is my ardent hope that plantation owners will help the Malaysian government find a permanent solution to Tamil school problems.
This would also repay all those Indians who had slogged in estates for more than 100 years.
Fully-aided Tamil schools would surely bring a sea change at the ballot box during the 13th general election.
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