The Malaysian Insight

TEACHING other forms of calligraphy from other cultures in schools can be considered, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said today.

He welcomed the suggestion proposed by Chinese association leaders, which reportedly include Dong Zong, the association of Chinese school boards.

Maszlee, however, responded to the proposal by placing it in the context of an art subject, whereas the current debate over the introduction of khat calligraphy, or Jawi script, is that it is part of the Bahasa Melayu syllabus.

“That can be discussed, as when it comes to art, we also want to emphasise the arts of different cultural and ethnic groups in Malaysia,” Maszlee said today at a school debate event at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

Chinese association leaders, as well as Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar, had recently proposed that other forms of calligraphy be taught to schoolchildren, amid a debate on the ministry’s plans to introduce khat next year.

It will be introduced in the Standard 4 Bahasa Melayu syllabus.

There has been heated debate over the plan from supporters of vernacular education, with opposition stemming particularly from Chinese education groups and some quarters in DAP. 

Yesterday, a group of DAP assemblymen and grassroots leaders urged the ministry to withdraw the plan.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, however, had said it will proceed, as those opposed to the move involved only a small segment of people.

The lessons on khat take up six pages in the syllabus textbook.

Maszlee also said he met with editors from several Chinese newspapers to explain the plan.

“We discussed in detail what we are doing and some ways so that the teaching of khat will not burden students and teaching,” he said. – August 4, 2019.