UKM Prof Called Out for Saying Chinese School Students are Not Smart as They Only Master Mandarin

A Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) professor is currently under fire for something he said recently concerning Chinese school students.

According to a report by Sin Chew Daily, the professor of Ethnic Studies, Emeritus Prof. Datuk Dr. Teo Kok Seong, shared his belief that Chinese school students aren’t exactly smart during an event, DIALOG MERDEKA: Memahami Sejarah Melalui Kepimpinan, at Putrajaya yesterday (September 25).

To him, this is due to Chinese school students learning 3 major languages in school, namely Mandarin, English and Bahasa Malaysia (BM), but claims they only master Mandarin.

“These Chinese students studying in Chinese schools are not very smart. Although the school teaches 3 languages, they are only good at their mother tongue. They are not very good at English or Malay,” he said.

He went on to share an experience he had at a seminar in Parliament, on our education system. 

Dr. Teo said that the seminar was attended by a local former Chinese minister, who had been in power for 22 months, who shared their opinion on the national language having little economic value as compared to Mandarin and English.

The professor then said that it felt as though the former minister didn’t have an understanding of the value of Malaysians.

“Bahasa Malaysia is the official language of our country and also our identity as a nation and Malaysian culture,” he added.

The professor’s words ultimately left Malaysians fuming as many took to social media to reject his statement about Chinese school students not being very smart and condemn him.

“Indeed, a smart person would not say such a thing.”

“I don’t know how many Chinese people you’re going to offend but smart people won’t talk like that.”

“The fact that he said this shows that he is not very smart.”

“A mentally ill person will never be able to speak clearly, he only lives in his own world.”

What do you think of the professor’s statement? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

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