Joint Statement Released by Dong Zong and Its State Members

August 10, 2019

Appeal for the Revocation of Seni Khat in Vernacular Schools

1. We understand from research findings and documentation accessible worldwide that Seni Khat is in practice a genre used for the spreading and dissemination of the Islamic Qu’ran. The measure of teaching Seni Khat in all vernacular schools is not only unacceptable by the non-Muslims, but it also conflicts Section 12 Article 3 in the Federal Constitution. To this end, we firmly plead for the revocation of the to-be-implemented measure, but the retainment of the existing unit taught since 2015 which introduces the calligraphies of the ethnic groups, including Jawi, Chinese characters and Tamil in Grade Five Bahasa Melayu coursebook.
2. We would like to stress that Malaysia is a country which practices secularisation. It was the social contract agreed upon and the tacit understanding of all ethnic groups after Independence. This contract safeguards the interest and sustains social accord of the nations. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia protects the right to freedom of religion or belief, including religious manifestation by way of professing, practicing and propagating one’s religious beliefs.
3. Dong Jiao Zong respects pluralistic culture, including the Jawi scripts and Islamic culture and is working on cross ethnical exchanges for the mere goal of mutual understanding. We espouse cross-ethnic cultural interactions imposed in schools by the Ministry, including ingraining multicultural values in both the curriculum and activities as it helps students learn about the ethnical characteristics of other races, provided this measure accords the real situation of the vernacular schools and the unique characteristics of the schools maintained.
4. We wish to see the determined will of the government in reformation and the abandonment of old mindset so as to make informed decision on the revocation of unitary education policy. That said, before any measure of sensitive issue is to be imposed, consultations from germane stakeholders and communities are sought after. We would recommend the government to ensure fair and comprehensive exchanges with stakeholders and the general public, take the multiracial and multi-religious reality accountable before any planning, execution and assessment are to stay. This way, all-rounding solution will be in place for upward development and governance. As such, we believe, social trust will not be dishonoured and conflicts accelerated.