Joint Statement Released by Dong Zong and Jiao Zong

May 6, 2022

Dong Zong and Jiao Dong are deeply disappointed over the recent questionnaire sent by the MOE to vernacular Chinese primary school students’ parents nationwide seeking once again their decision on the Jawi script introduction in Grade Four Bahasa Melayu coursebook, thus forwarding this statement in response.

1. As understood by Dong Jiao Zong, the questionnaire survey administered by the MOE over the past two years had concluded, most vernacular Chinese primary school parents disagree with the introductory approach of Jawi script in Grade Four Bahasa Melayu coursebook. As such, the Chinese community had for several times told the MOE not to conduct similar survey continuously as it is not only meaningless, but also a waste of resource. Simply put, Dong Jiao Zong greatly regrets the reduplication of questionnaire survey as it indicates voices from the general public are not heeded. Herewith Dong Jiao Zong urges the MOE to withdraw the questionnaire survey for the year to avoid unnecessary disputes.

2. Ever since the implementation of Jawi script teaching in vernacular primary schools Grade Four Bahasa Melayu coursebook, Dong Zong and Jiao Zong, together with many other local Chinese communities and Indian associations, have repeatedly forwarded constructive proposals and views recommending the adaptation of multimethod approach in bid to accord the multiracial inherence of the country, only not the mere introduction of Jawi scripts, to begin with. Unfortunately, the MOE overlooks and ignores the views of the Chinese and Indian communities and associations; instead, it continuously imposes this inappropriate measure which in actual fact generates resentment.

3. The MOE had claimed that once the curriculum for Jawi script learning in Grade Four Bahasa Melayu coursebook was completed, a thorough review of the contents and model would be in place. Therefore, we believe it is high time now the MOE reviewed this inappropriate measure and adapted the proposals raised; that is, to introduce the calligraphy of all ethnic groups with a multimethod approach in Grade Four Bahasa Melayu coursebook to help students understand and learn the cultural uniqueness of all ethnic groups as it attunes with the multiracial, multilingual, multicultural and multireligious inherence of the country. Simultaneously, Dong Jiao Zong also prompts the MOE to set up a committee comprising representatives from all ethnic groups, including the engagement and appointment of Chinese and Tamil educational associations in discussions, for a conclusive solution to this contentious implementation.