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CHILDREN raised in new villages have demonstrated that they can achieve fluency in the Malay language and excel academically, even while attending Chinese-stream schools, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told Parliament on Wednesday.
Speaking in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Muttalib (Perikatan Nasional-Maran) regarding government efforts to encourage the use of Malay in Kampung Baru, Kor Ming emphasised that mastery of the national language should not be restricted by educational background or residential location.
“For your information, I am a child of Kampung Baru. I achieved A+ in both Malay Language and Malay Literature in the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) examinations.
“It is therefore proven that the children of New villageare equally capable of mastering Malay. We speak it fluently and can compose traditional pantun, even while studying in Chinese-stream schools,” he explained during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Kor Ming further stressed that diversity within the education system need not hinder national unity if all parties approach it with openness and sincerity.
“We are magnanimous in this regard. I am also ready to work together with the Member of Parliament for Maran to continue fostering national cohesion,” he added.
On the topic of Orang Asli villages, the minister clarified that these communities are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rural Development and the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA).
Nevertheless, he assured that his ministry would continue to act within the law to ensure no residents under the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government are neglected.
“The principle is clear: we share the heavy burdens and carry the light ones together,” he added.
Parliamentary Debate Sparks Heated Exchange Over UEC Language and History Curriculum
Separately, a fiery session in the Dewan Rakyat erupted in the afternoon when opposition lawmaker Salamiah Mohd Nor (Perikatan Nasional-Temerloh) claimed that nearly all subjects in the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) are not taught in Malay and that the syllabus lacks Malaysian History.
Her statements, delivered during the debate on the Motion of Loyalty to the Royal Address, prompted several government bloc parliamentarians to rise in objection.
RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan-Jelong) cited House Rule 36(12), accusing Salamiah of misleading the Dewan Rakyat. “Most UEC graduates excel in Malay language and History subjects,” he asserted.
Rayer and his colleague Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) also rejected Salamiah’s implication that UEC examinations do not prioritise the national language.
“I believe the debate by the Member for Temerloh gives the impression that UEC students do not give importance to Malay,” Rayer said.
Khoo added, “Temerloh claimed the UEC system does not teach Malaysian History. That statement is misleading because the UEC syllabus indeed includes Malaysian History. I ask the Member for Temerloh to retract the statement. If you have not read the UEC History textbooks, do not make false claims in this esteemed chamber.”
However, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) defended Salamiah, saying the Member for Temerloh had not finished articulating her points.
“I listened carefully. Temerloh spoke in general terms, and I do not feel she was referring to anyone in particular. Let her finish before concluding her message,” he said.
The view was supported by the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who reminded parliamentarians that debates should begin with questions to avoid misunderstanding.
“This allows the Member to expect a Minister’s response. Ask first; do not make statements directly,” he advised. - January 21, 2026
