KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA has criticised DAP for being silent on calls for the gradual abolition of vernacular schools made during the Kongres Maruah Melayu (Malay Dignity Congress) on Sunday (Oct 6).

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he found it shocking that DAP leaders such as its secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and party adviser Lim Kit Siang had not made any statements on the issue.

"This is organised by universities and the key person is also the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and his deputy Teo Nie Ching.

"Why are they so quiet? You are the government of the day," said Dr Wee, who is the Ayer Hitam MP, at the Parliament lobby Monday (Oct 7).

He was asked to comment on the resolution of the congress, including the gradual abolition of vernacular schools.

Dr Wee said that MCA has been consistent on such issues, saying that vernacular schools are for all Malaysians and has been part of the education system.

"Malaysia is a multi-ethnic society. This is our right.

"Looking at the younger generation especially those in vernacular schools, we have about 20% non-Chinese. And we love to see our children work together," he added.

The congress saw some racially-charged demands mooted by its attendees across five general areas namely; religion, politics, economy, education and culture.