PARTIES have right to be concerned over the government’s decision to introduce the Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith in school, MCA vice-president Ti Lian Ker said.

He said it was “brutish” and “uncouth” of Umno Youth chairman Dr Akmal Salleh to slam the queries on whether the Islamic lessons would be forced on non-Muslim students.

“Akmal must practice humility and respect for the law and constitution by allowing concerned parents, religious leaders, NGOs and others to seek clarification on the mode, extent and substance of the module,” Ti said in a statement today.

“When the Malaysian Consultative Council on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) raised its concerns, (they were the) genuine concerns of all.

“When MCA president Wee Ka Siong raised concerns over the word “perintis” (pilot project) and “memperluaskan” (expand), which had caused doubt and confusion; these were genuine concerns and rights that should be respected. 

“Akmal’s statement that ‘if anyone questions (the Islamic module), whether friend or foe, be prepared to face Umno Youth first’ sounds brutish and uncouth.

“It is these Umno Youth mannerisms that have damaged Umno and Barisan Nasional’s public image in the eyes and minds of fair-minded Malaysians of all races.”

Ti said even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had listened to Wee’s concerns about the module and made an effort to reassure the public instead of “shoving down the throat” the proposal in an “antagonistic, disrespectful and arrogant manner”.

Wee had been concerned that the Muslim module would be expanded for students of other faiths. 

On Friday, Anwar clarified that the module was only for Muslim students in religious schools. 

He added that the government would never force non-Muslims to learn the hadith. – August 27, 2023.