In his weekly column in Sinar Harian, Tee said while he was always seen as “attacking” Chinese schools for refusing to implement the government’s agenda in relation to Bahasa Malaysia, the strength of the Chinese and their schools could not be denied.
One of the strengths of Chinese schools, Tee said, was hard work, adding that the Chinese were synonymous with hard work and the struggle for survival.
Another strength, Tee said, was that the Chinese did not believe in depending on the government alone when it came to acquiring teaching and learning resources.
He said parents who sent their children to Chinese schools, would not hesitate to fork out money for fees related to extra classes and facilities.
Tee said another strength was the fund raising activities of Chinese schools, which held annual fund-raising drives to raise funds that went towards better infrastructure.
Another strength, Tee said, was the quality of teaching and learning of Mathematics, as well as the willingness to have extra classes on Saturdays, especially for “killer subjects” such as Bahasa Malaysia and English.
He also said the Chinese school management boards association, known as Dong Jiao Zong – which combined the management boards of schools, headmasters, teachers and parent-teacher associations – was another strength of Chinese schools.
Another plus, according to Tee, was the frequent meet-the-parents sessions that were held no less than three times a year.
“In national schools, if a meet-the-parents session happens once a year, it is considered good.
“Other meetings in national schools are geared towards solat hajat (prayers), air yasin, buka puasa and raya receptions,” he said, adding that even then, not many parents turn up.
Tee called on the Education Ministry to carry out a holistic study as to why there were a growing number of Malays opting for Chinese schools, while there were less Chinese entering national schools.
Earlier this month, retired educationist Prof Dr Teo Kok Seong told FMT that a two-year study by the National Education Advisory Council had showed that Chinese-medium schools would become increasingly multiracial, with Malay enrolment at 18 per cent now.