Cyberspace abuzz with Chinese mum bucking trend by sending kid to PAS-run PASTI daycare centre

 

“IF Malay parents can send their children to Chinese kindergartens and schools, then what’s wrong with the mother sending her kiddo to PASTI?”

Such is the feedback from one Malay father to the decision of Chan Zhu Er, 31, to enroll her two-year-old son (fondly known as Kangkang) in a Tunas Islam Child Care Centre (PASTI) in her hometown of Cha’ah in Segamat, Johor.

This cultural-bridging move shared on MEDIA POINT’s Facebook page has generated 56K likes, 4.1K comments and 3.5K shares at time of writing with many Malay commenters showering Chan with praises for her open-minded approach to parenting (it has in fact gone viral among Malay language media outlets).

Bucking the trend of non-Chinese kids enrolling in vernacular ischools, the mother explained via a TikTok post on the @joeychan427 account that the decision to send Kangkang to the kindergarten was due to the close location and a child-friendly atmosphere.

Despite receiving negative messages from some quarters who disagreed with her child attending an Islamic-based kindergarten, she did not take it to heart and saw the experience as an opportunity for her child to learn about different cultures as “we live in a pluralistic society”.

@joeychan427

放学啦 Habis sekolah

♬ Cute – Aurel Surya Lie

“Even though he has only been in kindergarten for three months, my child can already say a few basic words in Malay and sing Malay songs,” quipped Chan who added that her child seemed happy to follow the learning sessions at the kindergarten.

Many commenters were full of praise for this parent’s open-minded approach to parenting with a Malay father stating that that his Hindu friend also sends all his children to PASTI.

“When asked, he told me that cleanliness is a priority to him. He doesn’t mind when his children recite prayers like other Muslim children,” shared the father.

“In fact, he likes to watch his children’s progress and even sometimes makes them recite prayers before/after meals.

“He isn’t afraid that one day her children will suddenly change and embrace Islam. That’s my sharing … He’s my best friend who does a lot of charity at the mosque till I’m unable to compete with him.”

This is when quite a number of other commenters express hope of the non-Muslim children will one day be enlightened to pursue the Islamic path.

However, one Sarawakian lady recalled her personal experience of attending the KEMAS community kindergarten whereby “I only relaxed studying alif ba ta (Jawi)”.

“I even came out top memorising prayers ……. I don’t convert either …. there’s nothing to be afraid of…. chill laa …”

As one netizen noted, many who converted to Islam “aren’t from a Malay religious school stream”.

“Islam as practised by the Malays never forces non-Muslims to convert to Islam,” he stressed.  “This religious matter is a matter of the heart, love, affection and love that comes by itself. Congratulations, you are an exemplary citizen.” 

- focus malaysia