'PAS pre-schools a place of universal values, not compulsion'

 

The decision of a Chinese Malaysian mother, Zhu Er Chan, to send her son to a PAS-owned pre-school (Pasti) is not unusual, as the school has received such students before.

A teacher at Pasti Nur Iman 3 in Cha’ah, Norjamiah Ayob, said they were open to receiving three-year-old Low Zi Kang (above) - or Kang Kang - to be cared for there.

The 40-year-old teacher said that from the start, all the teachers involved welcomed Low’s presence.

“In fact, we love and treat him the same as other students, there is no difference,” she told Malaysiakini.

The story of Zhu, 31, who chose to send her son to the PAS-run preschool, previously went viral and drew much attention.

Zhu originally made the decision because she needed to find a place to look after her son for a while as she had to return to her hometown to settle some matters.

Zhu said she needed to be in the village for about three months.

Coincidentally, Pasti Nur Iman 3 was the closest to her house. Therefore, she asked the kindergarten if they were willing to accept Low.

It turned out that Pasti opened its doors to anyone interested - regardless of race, religion, or culture.

Norjamiah - better known as Cikgu Mia - said the approach taken by Pasti is to look at the needs of each student, including their surroundings.

Despite emphasising Islamic education, Norjamiah said they do not force students to rigidly follow what is set, especially if it involves non-Muslim students.

In such circumstances, she said Low adapted quickly and was active in class.

“I introduced elements of Islamic routine through the school environment, such as reciting prayers, dress etiquette, and good behaviour without involving aspects specific to Muslim worship for Kang Kang,” she said.

Norjamiah said Low’s parents are aware of the syllabus and all activities at Pasti, which also emphasise character building alongside academic aspects.

“Teachers teach good values such as respecting teachers, shaking hands, polite language, and discipline. This is our daily routine,” she said.

Not only for Malay-Muslims

Johor Pasti director Nazirul Munir Puniran said Zhu’s decision to send her son to the institution reflects their long-standing openness.

“We welcome all members of the society to send their children to Pasti because Pasti is not specifically for Malay-Muslims only,” he said.

Nazirul added that Pasti's policy is clear, which is to allow the entry of non-Muslim students, along with an emphasis on universal values and character building.

Johor Pasti director Nazirul Munir Puniran

“Pasti's policy is clear, which is to educate children from an early stage with an Islamic mould, but at the same time be open, well-mannered, and respect the diversity of our society.

“There is no element of religious compulsion; instead, emphasis is given to character building, discipline, and universal virtues,” he said.

Nazirul also explained that Johor Pasti had previously received and recognised several non-Muslim students.

For example, Nazirul said in 2024, the schools gave the Pasti Pilihanku award to two Indian Malaysian students in Iskandar Puteri and a Chinese Malaysian student in Pontian.

Johor Pasti gave the recognition because both students completed their education in 2023.

“In 2025, we also received an Indian student at Simpang Renggam Pasti,” he said.

Reflecting harmony

Commenting on what happened in Cha'ah, Nazirul described the issue as a positive reflection of the harmony in Malaysia’s plural society.

He said a non-Muslim mother’s decision to choose Pasti shows that the value of trust, quality of education, and a good learning environment can transcend the boundaries of race and religion.

At the same time, Nazirul stressed that Pasti should not be seen as a place of compulsion for someone to accept Islam.

“Pasti is not a place of compulsion, but a place to educate children with human values, character, and discipline,” he said. - Mkini