Muslim NGOs wants dialogue on Jawi, not keen on counter-rallies

Some Muslim NGOs are seeking for a dialogue to address concerns over the three pages of Jawi lessons to be introduced in the Year 4 Bahasa Malaysia textbook next year.

This was amid fierce objections by groups such as the United Chinese School Committees' Association (Dong Zong) and Seni Khat Action Team (Sekat), which are holding gatherings on the matter.

Meanwhile, groups like Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis) have taken hardline positions with warnings of racial riots, other groups prefer dialogue.

Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said only by engaging in dialogue can an amicable solution be reached.

"We want this to be resolved amicably instead of being escalated to congresses or rallies.

"We should try our best as long as there are avenues for an amicable solution. If we were to hold counter-rallies, we need to understand the outcome and purpose.

"For us, in any issue and in the Malaysian context, we address them through consensus by meeting and discussing with all quarters and explaining the issues to each other," he told Malaysiakini.

Dong Zong will be a holding gathering on Dec 28, while Sekat will hold a separate event at a hotel on Dec 29 on the issue.

Dong Zong has clarified that its event is not a rally or protest but a conference for Chinese NGOs to discuss the Jawi issue. It added that the event is not open to the public.

Faisal said Abim is working to organise a forum which will also be represented by Zong Dong as well as representatives from the Indian community and Muslim NGOs.

Meanwhile, Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia also believes that any rallies in support or against Jawi will be counter-productive.

Its president, Ahmad Farhan Rosli stressed that Jawi is a heritage for all Malaysians and anyone or disagreed can discuss the matter in a dialogue.

"PKPIM is on the view that rallies or demonstration, be it anti-Jawi or pro-Jawi, will only complicate the situation.

"All stakeholders should come to the table to ensure the matter can be addressed in a harmonious manner and not cause racial tension.

"PKPIM stresses that any provocation, be it statements or rallies that are anti-Jawi or pro-Jawi, should cease and all quarters should engage in discussion," he said.

Meanwhile, Pertubuhan Angkatan Gerak Minda Malaysia (Agra) president Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim took a more hardline position, calling Dong Zong's position "treason".

However, he too believed that dialogue would be a better means of resolution.

"Let us discuss, let the public judge whether we are racist or they are racist," he said.

However, Mohd Ashraf who is also the Bersatu Youth education bureau chief does not rule out protests if the matter cannot be resolved through dialogue. - Mkini