Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today reiterated his assurance that Chinese schools will stay, and the Barisan Nasional's government will continue to assist its development.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the BN government would continue to assist the national-type Chinese schools based on the real need of the Chinese community.

"It is the wisdom of our past and present leaders that, not only is Chinese education preserved in this country, but it also becomes part of the national education system," he said when opening the 14th World Chinese Book Fair at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, here.

Also present were Deputy Education Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong and founder of Country Heights Holdings Berhad Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew.

Muhyiddin stressed that the government was always committed in raising the quality of education across all schools, regardless of the school-type.

He therefore hoped that the Chinese community would not fall prey to the agenda of certain quarters who liked to politicise education for their narrow political gain.

"Let us not jeopardise the future of our children, the future of our great nation, just for the sake of short-term political gain.

"At the same time, let us not forget the role of education as a means to unite Malaysians of all races. Let us make all schools in this country as unity schools, where children of all races can mingle freely, learn to accept
differences and respect each other," he said.

He added there was no reason not to continue building this country on the pillars of understanding, tolerance and respect among our multicultural communities which had contributed to build the nation as it was today.

Muhyiddin also stressed that all Malaysians must read more in order to catch up with the developed countries.

He said by not doing so, Malaysia risked losing its competitiveness and being left behind in this global race for new knowledge, new skills and new wealth.