“If this controversy persists, it will disrupt the spirit of unity and harmony that has been fostered among Malaysians,” he said in a statement today.

Last week, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh called on the government to conduct a detailed evaluation of vernacular schools.

He said it was Umno Youth’s view that racial tension stemmed from segregation in the nation’s education system.

Earlier today, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said the government had no plans to revamp vernacular schools, adding that any decision to do so must be based on provisions in the Education Act 1996.

Aaron said vernacular schools contributed to unity, which was evident from the continuous increase in the number of non-Chinese children enrolling in Chinese schools, and non-Indians in Tamil schools from 2018 to 2023.

In November last year, the Court of Appeal ruled that vernacular schools, along with their use of Mandarin and Tamil, were constitutional.

“Any attempt to abolish their existence is unwarranted and contrary to the court’s decision, which upholds the principles of the Rukun Negara, namely the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the rule of law,” Aaron said.

He also said expert opinion from a recent social deficit discourse suggested that vernacular schools fostered social harmony, like national schools, rather than being perceived as spaces for ethnic division.

He said the ministry would intensify efforts this year to enhance the understanding of the Rukun Negara so that its principles become a daily practice, especially in schools.