Associate Professor Lim Swee Tin
ACADEMICIANS believe that those who oppose the learning of Malay-Arabic khat calligraphy in schools should view the matter objectively, and see it as a means of acquiring knowledge among pupils.
Associate Professor Lim Swee Tin said the introduction of khat as part of the Bahasa Melayu subject for Year Four pupils would educate them on the history of the Malay language, the official language of the nation.
He said the move, which will be implemented by the Education Ministry next year, was in line with the national education philosophy aimed at building a more dynamic generation.
“I believe the introduction of khat serves to uphold the philosophy embedded in the Rukun Negara. It also does not deviate from the Federal Constitution.
“According to history, Bahasa Melayu writings were in the form of Jawi inscriptions before the language evolved to its modern form.
“In order for our children, regardless of their race and religion, to master Bahasa Melayu, it is important for them to understand the history behind the evolution of the language,” the Kelantan-born poet told the New Straits Times.
He said the move would not compromise one’s religion or culture, but could produce a young generation that was not only strong intellectually but also emotionally and spiritually.
Lim was baffled by the criticisms, especially from politicians, who had jumped the gun when the ministry announced the introduction of khat as part of the Bahasa Melayu subject.
He urged all quarters who lacked information on the move to refrain from making statements that could cause unease among the people.
“Politicians love to comment on things. I do not know what they are trying to prove to their supporters or followers.
“They should view it (introduction of khat) as a move to nurture and strengthen interest among our pupils in Bahasa Melayu.
Datuk Ching Eu Boon
“There are thousands of manuscripts in Jawi in libraries around the world, which can fetch millions of ringgit. I believe that by understanding khat, our children will be prouder to master Bahasa Melayu.
“Language is, after all, the bridge to unity,” said Lim, who spoke on his experience as a teacher and university lecturer for 28 years and 10 years, respectively.
He urged all quarters to place their trust in teachers, schools and the ministry over the introduction of khat in schools.
Entrepreneur-cum-academician Datuk Ching Eu Boon, who is a member of the board of a university college in Johor, has a different take on the matter.
He believed that the criticisms over the introduction of khat stemmed from a lack of information from the ministry.
“The ministry has to be clear on its direction with regard to the introduction of khat.
“Is the move only to nurture talent in art among pupils? Will it be included as an examination subject? The ministry must be clear about the move.”
On mastering khat, Ching said pupils were required to have a good command of Bahasa Melayu in order for them to understand Jawi.
He estimated that between 10 and 20 per cent of the non-Malay population lacked a sufficient command of Bahasa Melayu.
“Learning Jawi is not as easy as learning the 26 letters of the alphabet.
“There is difference in terms of spelling and pronunciation. Priority should be given to enhancing the command of Bahasa Melayu among pupils.”
Ching said he was able to master khat and Jawi due to his passion for the art and Bahasa Melayu.
Despite being Chinese, Ching said, he was a believer in the “hablum minannas”, a concept that promoted good relationships among humans.
“I would obtain a score of 99 or 100 (for Jawi in school). After class, I would meet the pakcik-pakcik (uncles) at coffee shops and share my interest in khat and Jawi.
“On many occasions, the pakcik would buy me books for me to better understand khat and Jawi.”
The Education Ministry recently proposed introducing khat or Jawi writing in the school curriculum.
The ministry has maintained that the introduction of khat in the Bahasa Melayu subject should be implemented next year.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad welcomed the introduction of khat and said the objections came from a small part of the community.
He was reported to have said that the government had always adhered to the shared prosperity policy and never prevented the use of the writing of other languages.
NEW STRAITS TIMES ONLINE
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