Abang Johari blasted for labelling Jawi controversy 'petty'

© Provided by New Straits Times Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg, who claims to be Chief Minister for all races in Sarawak, is unfit to hold the position after labelling the teaching of Jawi in schools “a petty issue”. NSTP

KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg, who claims to be Chief Minister for all races in Sarawak, is unfit to hold the position after labelling the teaching of Jawi in schools “a petty issue”.

Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen said various stakeholders, especially Chinese leaders and vernacular schools, have raised concerns over Jawi being made a mandatory subject for students – so much so that there has been heated debate over the past few months.

Even a component party from his political coalition – the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) – has been raising the issue.

“Although he always claims that he is a CM for all races, he is unfit to hold the position, as something which seems to be a major concern for the Chinese community is instead regarded as a ‘petty issue’ for him,” Chong told the reporters at the Sarawak DAP headquarters here, today.

The Member of Parliament for Stampin said the Education Ministry has since agreed to make the learning of Jawi optional in all vernacular schools.

In addition, Jawi will only be taught with the consent of students, parents as well as each school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

It is not compulsory and will not be evaluated in final examinations, thus, will not burden young scholars.

“We listen to the people and feedback from parties concerned, hence, (the teaching of Jawi must be made) optional. (Personally), I don’t think learning three pages of Jawi would affect the whole system of vernacular schools.

“There is nothing religious or racial about it, and it is not true that we will lose our culture or dilute our faith or race,” said the Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.

Chong also urged Abang Johari to listen to the people or communicate with his component parties under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) before calling an issue “petty”.

“Does this mean that the concerns of the Chinese community and vernacular schools are not worth his time or attention?” he asked. - nst