Minister interested, will consider other forms of calligraphy in schools

Maszlee Malik today indicated the Education Ministry's willingness to discuss a suggestion for other forms of calligraphy other than khat to be taught in schools.

"That (suggestion) is interesting to be discussed," the education minister told reporters when met after the Prime Minister’s Debate Cup finals at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today.

Maszlee said the idea was interesting in the context of calligraphy as an art form.

"For the Art subject, we focus on art from various cultures and various ethnic groups in Malaysia," he said. 

The minister was asked to comment on a suggestion by a group of Chinese association leaders that all schools learn about the calligraphic arts of the various races.

Independent history researcher Tang Ah Chai yesterday said the idea was first proposed to Maszlee during a meeting on Aug 1.

Among those said to be in attendance at the meeting were Dong Zong deputy president Tan Yew Sing and political analyst Wong Chin Huat.

According to Tang, the groups put forward the proposal when discussing how the introduction of khat would affect Chinese vernacular schools.

Similarly, Amanah vice-president Mahfuz Omar, who welcomed the introduction of khat to revitalise Jawi writing, also echoed the suggestion for other forms of calligraphy to be taught in schools.

Mahfuz said students should also be taught Chinese calligraphy or other forms of writing beyond the Jawi script in khat.

Meanwhile, Maszlee also said he has met editors from several Chinese newspapers to clarify his ministry's move and several improvements to ensure that teaching and learning khat will not burden teachers or students.

At present, the Education Ministry plans to introduce six pages on khat and Jawi writing in the Standard 4 Bahasa Melayu syllabus beginning next year. - Mkini