Joint Statement Released by Dong Zong and Jiao Zong

December 4, 2021

In consequence of the addition of Chinese name to the name board of two vernacular Chinese primary schools in Pekan by the Pahang State Education Department, Dong Zong and Jiao Zong (Dong Jiao Zong) herewith release their statement proper as follows:

1.  As informed, two vernacular Chinese primary schools in Pekan Pahang (SJKC Yoke Hwa and SJKC Kee Wha) received their new name boards with Jawi and Bahasa Melayu scripts devoid of Chinese characters from the Pahang State Education Department in early November. Through protest from various sectors and the prompt intervention of Mah Hang Soon the Deputy Education Minister, Chinese characters were later added on by the state education department and displaced accordingly which is greatly welcomed by Dong Jiao Zong.

2. As noticed, on the name boards supplied by the Pahang State Education Department to these two schools, Jawi scripts were seen preceded, followed by Chinese and Bahasa Melayu in sequence. Dong Jiao Zong understands that Bahasa Melayu is the national language and Chinese is the main medium of instruction and administration of vernacular Chinese primary schools, the name boards of the schools need to be either Bahasa Melayu or Chinese Mandarin and not others. The inclusion of Jawi scripts on displayable signboards is a recent and specific practice approved by the Pahang State Legislative Assembly and it was intended for all commercial and NGOs’ signboards but not temples to comply with. Therefore, Jawi can be positioned third in sequence on a public signboard in response to the requirement. Pertaining to this matter, the MOE is called to redress for a satisfactory settlement assurance.

3. Truth be told, Dong Jiao Zong follows the development of the abovementioned event closely and stresses that any measures implemented by the authorities should not be an attempt to modify the existing characteristics of the various streams of schools; it is for the safeguard of our multi-lingual and multi-cultural inherence.