KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has submitted a formal letter to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek opposing any potential reduction in Tamil language instruction hours under the upcoming 2027 school curriculum realignment.

The letter, which was also copied to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, highlights widespread anxiety among educators, parents, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) over reports that weekly Tamil language periods in Tamil national-type schools (SJKT) could be trimmed from 12 to 10.

In a statement today, the Tapah MP insisted that mother tongue instruction should remain untouched, describing Tamil vernacular schools as vital institutions for preserving the language’s cultural heritage and longevity in Malaysia.

"I firmly object to reducing Tamil language teaching time from 12 periods to 10 periods per week under the 2027 curriculum restructure plan," Saravanan said.

"Tamil schools remain the primary stronghold for safeguarding the heritage, cultural identity, and future sustainability of the Tamil language in Malaysia."

He argued that Tamil language education plays a fundamental role in shaping students' intellectual and character development beyond basic communication skills.

While welcoming the Ministry of Education's (MOE) proposal to introduce a new Character Building module, Saravanan suggested incorporating the new material into the existing Moral Education timetable instead of absorbing periods allocated for language classes.

"While I fully support the MOE’s noble initiative to introduce a new Character Building module, I propose integrating its syllabus directly into existing Moral Education periods," he said.

"This produces character building without reducing Tamil language class time."

Saravanan called on the ministry to reassess the proposed framework and ensure that the current allocation of 12 periods per week for Tamil language classes in SJKT is maintained or expanded.