'Teaching of religions other than Islam better to start at university'

Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim) president Nik Omar Nik Abdul Aziz said the teaching of religions other than Islam would do better if it began at the university level.

He said this in response to a proposal by the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) for a subject to be introduced in schools where students will also be exposed to religions other than Islam.

Nik Omar (photo above), who contested under the Amanah banner in the last general election, said the focus for students at a young age should be to nurture them in their own religion.

"When every Malaysian understands each other's religion, then it will be easier to foster unity and mutual respect. The exposure can serve as a means for harmonious living in a diverse country.

"However, at the primary (school) level, it is not suitable..." he said.

For Muslim students, they need to be taught about the basics of Islams and its values, he told journalists in Kota Bharu.

MBM president Jufitri Joha had said Islamic studies being taught in schools is good but that it lacked the promotion of understanding of other religions.

Nik Omar said the matter required consultation but stressed that university students would be better suited.

He added that teaching other religions to undergraduates does not necessarily mean they must agree with it but it helps to show respect to other religions.

Yesterday, Education Minister Maszlee Malik said he would also like to see greater cross-cultural exposure in schools. - Mkini