PETALING JAYA – The Education Ministry (MoE) today said it is committed to implementing Imam Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith appreciation module, said its minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the module is important to curb radicalism and extremism in the community and would provide the real picture of Islam’s universal values and practices.
“The pilot project will only involve Muslim teachers and students in national religious secondary schools and government-aided religious schools.
“It will then be expanded to schools and classes from Islamic education subjects only,” she said in a statement.
Fadhlina had earlier met with 16 non-governmental organisations representing diverse communities to discuss the module, its implementation, and matters related to national education.
Among those present were representatives from Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia, Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia, Federation of Taoist Association Malaysian and Christian Federation of Malaysia.
Representatives from the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, and the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council were also among those there.
She said the meeting took place in a cordial manner, reflecting the openness, agreement and commitment of all parties in building a Madani Malaysia-based on the formula of diversity within the framework of unity.
“Such meetings will be held from time to time for us to effectively convey all initiatives undertaken by the ministry.
“We are also open to dialogues in line with one of MoE’s main thrusts, which is to strengthen the communication with each stakeholder,” she said.
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying had also earlier clarified that the module will not involve non-Muslim students, and that she understands the anxiousness of the non-Muslim community on the issue.
She said when the module is introduced to national schools and schools under the ministry, it will only be for Muslim students.
Meanwhile, in Sarawak, its Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said they have no issue with the implementation of the module because it does not involve non-Muslim students.
He said the matter should not be politicised, as it is not compulsory for non-Muslims.
“Here in Sarawak, there’s no issue. Before, we had Muslims studying in mission schools. They learnt Bible scriptures for knowledge...no issue.
“They are not being converted…actually, it makes them more knowledgeable,” he added. – The Vibes, August 30, 2023
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