A Selangor state exco member launched a stinging salvo over the decision to make khat (Jawi calligraphy) compulsory in the Bahasa Malaysia syllabus for Year Four students in vernacular schools.
Reminding Education Minister Maszlee Malik that he represents all Malaysians, V Ganabatirau rued that the Bersatu politician appeared to be more focused on insignificant matters such as the colour of school shoes and socks.
In a statement this afternoon, the DAP assemblyperson urged the minister to reverse the decision to introduce khat, arguing that the Pakatan Harapan government is no stranger to backpedalling on its decisions.
“I demand that the minister concern discuss this proposal with all stakeholders and make a U-turn on this policy for the (sake of) future generations.
“After all, making U-turns is not something new for the Harapan government,” he added.
Despite objections, Ganabatirau noted that Maszlee (photo) and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad are firm that khat would be introduced next year.
“It is difficult to understand the logic behind this policy.
“Currently, khat is being taught as part of Islamic Studies in national schools, and what is the need of expanding it to become part of the Year Four syllabus?” he asked.
Did ministry consult stakeholders beforehand?
Ganabatirau also dismissed the Education Ministry's explanation along cultural and heritage lines, saying others should not be forced to accept it.
He asked if the ministry consulted relevant stakeholders before making a decision on this matter.
“Did they call all the stakeholders including those from Chinese schools and Tamil schools to discuss the matter? Did they discuss the proposal in the cabinet?
“These are the questions people are asking but it seems the education minister is not willing to consider any of these concerns.
“People are wondering why the minister and the government are adamant and rushing to implement this policy but all the other demands... are being implemented at a snail's pace,” he added.
Apart from this, Ganabatirau asked if there is an ulterior motive for introducing khat and if it was part of an Islamisation process.
Previously, Maszlee said the move was not aimed at "establishing Islamisation in vernacular schools."
In addition to fostering a beautiful writing style, the minister also said the introduction of khat would enable students to recognise the country's heritage and identity.
Mahathir's comparison is not ideal
As for Mahathir's argument in citing how Chinese writing was not opposed in the past, Ganabatirau said this was not an ideal comparison.
“The prime minister said that people should not question the (khat) move as the majority didn't question when Chinese writing was introduced.
“This is not an ideal comparison that a prime minister should be making.
“He should remember that Chinese or Tamil writings are only being used in vernacular schools and not as a part of the mandatory syllabus nationwide. Therefore, the issue of people questioning Chinese or Tamil writing doesn't arise at all,” he added.
Ganabatirau also pointed out that the introduction of khat could lead to the sidelining of competent Bahasa Malaysia teachers who are unable to teach Jawi calligraphy.
“In the long run, graduates from Islamic institutions and from the Middle East could replace our own talented teachers and this would create uneasiness among the teachers.
“Apart from this, introducing a new syllabus requires a big allocation from the government's coffer which (the current administration) claims (has been) emptied by the previous administration.
“This could affect the government's ability to prioritise the welfare of the people such as health and higher education especially for the people from the B40 category,” he added. - mkini
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