Hasan Ali wants Islamic studies made a must-pass

April 08, 2012

Hasan denied that his request was racist or chauvinistic. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — Datuk Hasan Ali wants to make it compulsory for students to pass Islamic studies from the primary to upper secondary levels, Bernama Online reported today.

“Jati wants Islamic studies to be made a compulsory pass at all major examinations such as the Primary School Assessment Test (UPSR), PMR (Lower Secondary Assessment) and SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education),” Hasan was quoted as saying by Bernama Online today.

Hasan said he will submit a memorandum making this request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak soon via his Jati non-governmental organisation.

Speaking at an event in Butterworth today, Hasan denied the call was racist or prejudicial. Instead, the former PAS lawmaker said the request was based on a commitment towards Islam.

Hasan said, however, that Jati will only deliver the memorandum to Najib if it successfully collects 500,000 supporting signatures.

“We are confident of getting this in six months,” Hasan added.

Hasan also went on to level an attack at Pakatan Rakyat in Penang, and told Malay voters to reject the pact for — according to him — failing to protect the Malays, Islam and the royalty.

“I want for these, especially by the people of Penang, to be protected in the next general election,” Hasan continued.

“I am pleading with you. Change must be made in the next general election.”