Dong Zong, Jiao Zong once again say ‘no’ to khat in primary schools

The Dong Jiao Zong building in Kajang.

PETALING JAYA: Chinese educationist groups Dong Zong and Jiao Dong have once again trained their guns on the government’s decision to introduce a chapter on khat in the Year 4 Bahasa Melayu syllabus in schools next year.

The groups, along with 10 other Indian and Chinese-interest groups had earlier signed a statement calling for the deferment of the decision to introduce the chapter on the Malay-Arabic calligraphy.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching later said a consensual decision was reached after a meeting with the 12 groups where they welcomed the decision to introduce khat.

In a statement today, Dong Zong and Jiao Zong, collectively known as DZJ, said the decision on khat does not ease the concerns of the Chinese and Indian communities as there are elements of religion involved.

“That is why Dong Jiao Zong stands firm that this implementation (of khat) in national primary schools must be cancelled.”

They also agreed with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism that teaching khat may contravene Article 12(3) of the Federal Constitution.

Article (12)(3) states that no person shall be required to receive instruction or take part in any ceremony or act of worship of a religion other than his own.

DZJ said the khat calligraphy is closely related to Islamic teachings as it uses verses from the Quran.

“So introducing khat in vernacular schools does not only have elements of religion but is also inappropriate.”

They also claimed studies and some academics maintain that khat is used for Islamic preaching. As such, they said it is not right for non-Muslims to be forced to learn khat.

“Malaysia is a secular country and even though Islam is the official religion, citizens have the freedom to practise their faiths.

“Any implementation that has elements of religion in vernacular schools goes against the Federal Constitution.”

Any proposed policy change, they added, needs to be appropriate with the diversity of races and religions in Malaysia.

Despite criticism on the decision to implement khat, Education Minister Maszlee Malik today said khat would still be introduced. It will also be up to teachers to decide how they want to teach it. - FMT