EDUCATION groups today submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Education about teaching Jawi in primary schools, and reiterated their call for a dialogue with the ministry.

Dong Jiao Zong and the Tamil Foundation asked the ministry to consider their opinions.

“We would like to have a dialogue with the minister in order to find a solution to this matter.

“Among others, the memorandum states the need to consider the opinion from the Chinese and Indians,” said Dong Zong chairman Tan Tai Kim.

In August 2018, the government announced that it would proceed with teaching Jawi for Year 4 pupils but with some adjustments to the original plan, following protests from vernacular education groups.

The tweaked plan outlined fewer lessons and required the approval of the respective Parent-Teacher Associations for Jawi to be taught in the respective school.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Foundation spokesperson K. Arumugam said the group explained its position on Jawi to the ministry.

He told The Malaysian Insight both groups were not against the Jawi but wanted more clarification and study before the subject can be taught in school.

“When we have the dialogue, we will explain to the ministry what we think is wrong and we would like to seek clarification from the ministry on certain matters in the subject.

“We are not against Jawi but we are concerned about several matters. That is why we need a discussion,” he said.

The memorandum was received by acting director-general Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim.

Tan then said that it was necessary to include the schools’ board of governors into the school administrative system, to allow the body to have a say on policies implemented by the ministry in vernacular schools.

“We are firm on this. The board must be included in the school administration so it can have a say on policies,” he said.

Dong Zong had planned a congress last month to discuss its stand on three pages of introductory Jawi lessons for year four pupils starting next year.

However, the police applied for a court order to stop the meeting after Malay groups warned of possible violence if the group proceeded with its plans.

Dong Zong abided by the court order and the gathering was cancelled. – January 2, 2020.