Form 4 History textbook not leftist, says govt

KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry has refuted claims that the content of the Form 4 History textbook “promotes socialism and communism”.

In a statement today, the ministry said that in April 2018, the textbook was “researched, reviewed and certified” by an expert panel of seven of various expertise and races.

Its content is based on a report by the ministry’s 2011-2012 Special Committee on Reviewing the Secondary School History Curriculum and Textbook.

Meanwhile, authors were selected based on their experience writing history textbooks, their backgrounds in history education, and criteria set by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

The ministry added that the publication process is a stringent one overseen by four committees.

It also referred to the National Archives, National Museum, Malaysian Historical Society, Election Commission and state secretary to adjudge certain historical facts.

“The ministry asserts that the Form 4 History textbook complies with all publishing processes to ensure its quality, as well as accuracy.”

Yesterday, Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said in a statement that certain content revisions glorify the leftist movement and indicate a deliberate attempt by the previous Pakatan Harapan government to “plant seeds of the Malaysian Malaysia ideology”.

He added that it will condition students into thinking that socialism and communism are not bad.

On Monday, Yayasan Kasih Tauhid made a police report alleging the revisions in the Form 4 History textbook to be criminal, and called for an investigation with the aim of banning the book.

The foundation said it represents a group of Islamist organisations called Pembela. – The Vibes, February 25, 2021