Perak Chinese school boards to collect signatures for khat appeal

IPOH: The Perak Chinese School Boards Association will hold a signature collection campaign to appeal for khat (Jawi calligraphy) not to be introduced to Year Four pupils in Chinese schools.

The association's chairman Datuk Lee Kon Yin (pic) said the campaign would be held near its headquarters on Jalan Leong Sin Nam here, next to Foh San Restaurant, on Aug 18 at 11am.

He said the association, which represents 211 Chinese primary and secondary schools, would collect as many signatures as possible before sending it to Chinese educationist group Dong Zong.

"We hope to get the support of various Chinese school boards, Parent-Teacher Associations, alumni and all Chinese associations.

"We also asked them to bring along their association stamps to the campaign, which will be held for about three months," he told a press conference at its headquarters on Sunday (Aug 11).

"Dong Zong will then submit it to the Education Ministry, " he added.

It has been reported that khat would be introduced to Year Four pupils as part of Bahasa Melayu lesson in vernacular schools starting next year.

Supported by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, khat reportedly would be taught as art and would not be assessed.

Lee said the association could not accept khat being taught to Year Four pupils.

"We prefer the current syllabus whereby it is taught to Year Five pupils along with Tamil and Mandarin, " he said.- Star