CHAPTER 1 1.0 Introduction - DSpace@UM - University of Malaya

The Christian missionaries played a very important role in spreading western system
of secondary schools all over Malaya at that time. In all fairness, it must be stated that
these missionary schools like the Convent, ACS (Anglo Chinese Schools), MHS
(Methodist High School), Saint Michael, La, Salle and MGS (Methodist Girls School)
still exist today all over Malaysia and these are reputable schools of world class
standard. Nevertheless, it must be pointed out at this juncture that the British
administration or the Christian missionaries did not provide universal English
education for all.
At the beginning of the 19 th century a large number of Chinese immigrants came to
Malaya to work in tin mines. They brought Chinese system of education; curriculum
and textbooks were China oriented. In the earlier period, the education was totally
organised and managed by the Chinese community. In the 1920’s the British
administration took control of the Chinese schools and also introduced laws to prevent
alienation. The British government gave grants to some Chinese schools. By 1938
there were 323 fully assisted Chinese schools 18 managed by Christian missionaries
and 305 by private Chinese organisations.
At present Chinese parents send their children to the Chinese schools, and few Malay
and Indian parents too send their children to Chinese schools. The medium of
instruction from primary to senior middle level three is Mandarin. Bahasa Malaysia
and English are compulsory subjects. The exams are set by the Chinese Guild. Some
foreign Universities accept Senior Middle Level Three Pass as an entry qualification.
In summary, it may be said that Chinese education has become an integral part of our
educational system.
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