We’ll decide on education, Sabah tells Putrajaya as khat controversy rages on

Deputy Chief Minister Christina Liew says Putrajaya should not force its policies on Sabah. (Facebook pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has urged the education ministry to allow the state to decide on the introduction of the khat calligraphy in schools in the state, as the controversy over the additional section rages on in the peninsula.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Christina Liew said Putrajaya should not force its policies on Sabah, including in the appointment of the vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

“We would appreciate if the ministry at federal level can refer back to us and consult us on whatever policies or appointment they want do,” Liew, who is also Sabah PKR chief, said at the sidelines of the state assembly sitting here.

Liew said there was nothing wrong in learning calligraphy of any tradition.

“But don’t force it on them (students) and make it a mandatory subject. The students are already burdened by a heavy syllabus, and now you add another one?” she added.

She said “In Sabah, we have so many ethnic languages to learn. So, make it an option, just like Chinese calligraphy … that’s Sabah PKR’s stand,” she said.

On a different matter, Liew who is in charge of state tourism, questioned Putrajaya’s decision to impose the air departure levy from Sept 1.

She said Sabah was not consulted on this.

“I was in the dark, I didn’t know,” she said.

Liew said the state was also looking at claiming at least half of the fees collected from Sabah airports.

“I am aware that other Asean countries are doing this but I’m not sure how it will affect us until the first quarter of it being imposed. My concern now is whether we will get any of the fees.” - FMT