Ministry told to apply same stop-order on computer class for Jawi script
KUCHING: The move by the Education Ministry in issuing a stop-order on computer classes for aided Chinese primary schools nationwide last year, means it can do the same for the planned introduction of Jawi script, according to Rodger Chan.
The Kuching Hokkien Association Education Commi ee chairman said the ministry had explained then that the computer classes were halted due to requests by some parents.
“During a meeting with Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching held in Kuching last year, she explained that the ministry’s policy is not based on majority rule.
“She said the computer classes were stopped due to some complaints by parents. Now that a lot of parents are requesting for the Jawi script to be stopped, why isn’t the ministry doing what it did to the computer lesson?
“This Jawi lesson in aided Chinese primary schools is of great concern to the Chinese community, and the ministry should clarify whether parents and students can decide not to partake in it,” he said during the association’s Education Excellence Awards, here on Sunday.
Chan also wondered whether the Jawi script subject would be made an extra-curriculum lesson since the Education Ministry had announced that it would be optional for students.
He pointed out that this was the reason the ministry had placed the stop-order on the computer classes, as it was being held during regular teaching hours.
“The ministry directed that the computer class could only be held outside of normal classes during extra-curriculum time, as it was an optional lesson,” he said.
Chan stressed that he had nothing against the teaching of Jawi script so long as it was optional to students as announced by the ministry, adding more focus should instead be placed on the teaching of Bahasa Melayu as many students needed help on the subject.
On the event, he said Kuching Hokkien Association rewarded 156 children of its members with about RM19,000 in total, as recognition and encouragement for excelling in their studies last year.
Established 148 years ago, he said KHA has always stressed the importance of hard work and perseverance which are good virtues for students to apply to their studies, career and future.