THE fear of Islamisation is the reason Dong Jiao Zong is opposing the teaching of Jawi in schools, a forum on the script heard.

The Chinese education group’s spokesman, Ng Chai Heng, said he has heard stories of how non-Malay pupils were converted to Islam discreetly.

However, Ng said he has no proof of the Islamisation through Islamic education.

“I have heard it but I have not seen it,” he told the Jawi forum: understanding each other at the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCH).

“This is not about the fear on teaching Jawi (at vernacular schools). Let me be clear about this, we are concerned and worried about Islamisation.”

He said the issue has also been blown out of proportion by some parties and called on Putrajaya to solve the issue immediately.

“The issue has dragged on for too long and now it has been blown out of proportion with some parties making unnecessary remarks about it.

“I think the party that is in power should address this matter immediately. We at Dong Zong appreciate what the ministry has done. There are efforts that have been done to correct the issue but we feel that it has not been resolved,” Ng told the audience.

Ng said tomorrow’s meeting organised by Dong Jiao Zong is not a congress and will be held behind closed door.

“The meeting this weekend is not a congress. Please don’t call it a congress. It is just a closed-door meeting to discuss this issue.”

Malay groups have warned Dong Jiao Zong against organising the “congress”.

They warned of riots if Dong Jiao Zong proceeded with its plan.

The Malay civil society groups also lodged a police report against Dong Jiao Zong.

Perkid Kebajikan Darul Islah Malaysia chief Masridzi Sat lodged the report on behalf of the groups.

Dong Jiao Zong previously said the meeting tomorrow is not a protest to discuss the implementation of Jawi lessons in vernacular schools.

Dong Jiao Zong central committee member Low Chee Chong said there are no plans for a rally and that the meeting is open only to representatives from Chinese civil society bodies.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also warned Dong Jiao Zong that its insistence on holding the gathering could lead to other repercussions, such as Malay pressure groups reasserting their calls for vernacular schools to be shut down.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim also called on Dong Jiao Zong and other factions, including Malay organisations, not to hold any event on the issue.

However, Dong Jiao Zong is going ahead with its meeting at the New Era College in Kajang tomorrow. – December 27, 2019.