KUCHING: Sarawak DAP says khat calligraphy should be optional for the state’s Chinese schools.
The Education Ministry is introducing the Malay-Arabic calligraphy writing as part of the Bahasa Melayu subject for Year Four pupils next year.
State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said: “Although it is a good intention by the Education Ministry to promote better understanding among the schoolchildren of different races and religious in the country, the Chinese community here nevertheless have their doubts over the move”.
Chong said a majority of the people, particularly the Chinese, viewed the move with suspicion and objected to the move.
As such, he said, it was not appropriate for it to be made compulsory at the moment.
“We will raise the issue in cabinet next week and suggest that, in accordance with the autonomy principle, special arrangements be made for Chinese schools in Sarawak,” he told the reporters at the DAP headquarters here.
Chong said distrust among Sarawakians towards policies formulated in Putrajaya, was reinforced during the 55 years of administration by Barisan Nasional.
“Despite major reforms and initiatives having been put in place by Pakatan Harapan after taking over the Federal Government in May last year, it is still too short a time to rebuild the trust and confidence of Sarawakians towards the Federal Government, he said.