Arabic always an optional subject, says Mara

KUCHING: Arabic Language has always been an optional subject in Mara junior science colleges and was never made compulsory for non-Muslim students, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) said.

It added that Arabic was not a prerequisite subject for passing the PT3 and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examinations or graduating from MRSM.

“The third language subject is part of Mara’s effort to add value to the human capital of students and to prepare them for the globalised and stiff competition in the job market,” it said in a statement.

“Mara practises religious tolerance and respect and it has always been a priority to Mara and MRSM to produce graduates with integrity.”

Mara was responding to claims that students of MRSM Betong in central Sarawak were told that they had to take Arabic as a compulsory subject and that they must pass it to graduate.

When the matter was brought up on Facebook by Betong PKR chairman Vernon Kedit, MRSM Betong informed the students that they had the option to take Mandarin if they did not want to take Arabic.

About half of MRSM Betong’s students are Dayak.

MRSM Betong principal Mohd Zaki Ab Rashid said the situation was not what PKR had made it out to be.

“Students are given an option for the third language subject,” he said, adding that he would leave any further clarification to Mara headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

In response, Vernon said he was thankful that Mara had clarified the matter.

“At least students will now know that they have an option. I don’t mind students having to take a third language. What annoyed me was that it was misrepresented as compulsory when it was not,” he said.