The Malaysian Insight

UMNO and PAS Youth have no problems giving stakeholders more say over the introduction of Jawi lessons in Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, saying it makes sense as they have vested interests.

Umno Youth exco Bastien Onn told The Malaysian Insight Putrajaya should not force the teaching of Jawi in Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, and should have instead negotiated with stakeholders before pushing it through.

“The government should listen because it involves the implementation of Jawi lessons (in their schools) and it should also provide an explanation.”

He also agreed with MCA Youth chief Nicole Wong, who – in her speech at MCA’s 66th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today – said Jawi modules should not be forcefully included in the Bahasa Malaysia textbook and should instead be elective.

She also urged the management of all schools to be included in the decision-making process on whether Jawi should be introduced in Chinese vernacular schools next year.

“Nicole has a point in that the government should bring the matter to the negotiating table with stakeholders and Chinese school managers,” he said.

Bastien also agreed that Jawi should be made an alternative subject and expanded alongside Chinese calligraphic art in national schools.

“We welcome the teaching of Chinese calligraphy as an elective in national schools, so that other races can master it, too,” he added.

Meanwhile, PAS Youth chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin told The Malaysian Insight the government should resolve the matter with stakeholders before pushing forward, or give vernacular school pupils the choice of taking up the lessons.

“Sensitive issues such as this can only be resolved if we go back to the constitution,” he said.

Khairil also said other languages ought to be taught in national schools.

“We are also calling for Chinese and Tamil to be taught as additional, alternative or elective subjects to pupils in national schools,” he added.

“PAS Youth will initiate efforts to introduce Chinese and Tamil at selected integrated Islamic primary schools under the PAS Youth Council,” he said.

Last August, the Education Ministry had said it would go ahead and introduce Jawi in Chinese vernacular schools, provided the move is agreed upon by parent-teachers association, parents and pupils. – December 1, 2019.