Sarawak has bigger things to worry about than Jawi, says CM

KUCHING: Sarawak does not want to get involved in the “petty issue” of the teaching of Jawi in schools, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Chief Minister said the state government was more concerned about tackling the rising cost of living and helping the people.

“I don't want to be dragged into this petty issue. To me, it is very petty. Why should we be dragged into it?

“We do not want this petty thing to come to Sarawak. We are more concerned about our economy, income levels and creating employment, ” he told reporters after witnessing the exchange of duties between the state Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation here on Thursday (Jan 2).

Abang Johari added that it was more important to focus on improving the economy.

“That should be our top priority, ” he said.

He declined to say if Sarawak would follow Sabah's move to make Jawi an optional subject in schools.

Sabah's Rural and Regional Development Minister Ewon Benedick said on Dec 28 that the state Cabinet had decided that Jawi should be an optional subject and not included in the Bahasa Malaysia syllabus.

“The lessons should be provided only if the students decide to learn them, ” he said. - Star