This action by the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) and National Writers Association (Pena) appears to confirm the fears of many over the use of Interlok in schools. Instead of engaging in debate, these sasterawan are engaging in histrionics and dishing out race-based threats.
The government's decision to amend rather than omit Interlok is a futile gesture. Any writer knows "amending" is easier said than done, more so when hordes want to approve the changes.
The Interlok issues are:
1. What criteria are used to choose books for literature studies?
2. Are the same criteria used for Malay as for English books? [Who submits the books for consideration? What books were considered and failed? Why?]
3. Are teachers capable of teaching critical reading as opposed to propaganda?
4. What will students learn in history class to enable them to to assess Interlok critically?
5. What will be the consequence if Interlok is immediately withdrawn, and what can be done to mitigate the consequences?
In recent months, principals have been openly racist - and have been defended for it. Also, there's just been much meddling with history - no more Hang Tuah, no more Parameswara, etc. People are suspicious because there's a history of re-writing history and a history of tolerating racist teachers.
It's not about the book, it's about the choice and use of the book in a land where the ruling political mantra has been and continues to be "the people are easily confused."
Do we need reminding that non Malay parents have voted overwhelmingly against national schools? The protests are coming from those who think national schools are institutions for racial-programming of gullible teenagers.
The Interlok incident is another symptom of the loss of confidence in national schools. How do MPM/Pena and Muhyiddin/Cabinet's responses address the root causes?
Encouraging the boycott of Indian candidates shows that MPM/Pena (how many of them are also members of Perkasa?) think of themselves as Malay first. I predict neither Najib nor Muhyiddin will make substantive comments on the MPM/Pena rant. Amending the book is a laughable “political solution" to demonstrate BN “listens to the people.”
It's the education system which needs an overhaul – but admitting it needs reform requires admitting it's broken and assessing the root causes. Do MPM/Pena and BN have any plans to do this?
The government's decision to amend rather than omit Interlok is a futile gesture. Any writer knows "amending" is easier said than done, more so when hordes want to approve the changes.
The Interlok issues are:
1. What criteria are used to choose books for literature studies?
2. Are the same criteria used for Malay as for English books? [Who submits the books for consideration? What books were considered and failed? Why?]
3. Are teachers capable of teaching critical reading as opposed to propaganda?
4. What will students learn in history class to enable them to to assess Interlok critically?
5. What will be the consequence if Interlok is immediately withdrawn, and what can be done to mitigate the consequences?
In recent months, principals have been openly racist - and have been defended for it. Also, there's just been much meddling with history - no more Hang Tuah, no more Parameswara, etc. People are suspicious because there's a history of re-writing history and a history of tolerating racist teachers.
It's not about the book, it's about the choice and use of the book in a land where the ruling political mantra has been and continues to be "the people are easily confused."
Do we need reminding that non Malay parents have voted overwhelmingly against national schools? The protests are coming from those who think national schools are institutions for racial-programming of gullible teenagers.
The Interlok incident is another symptom of the loss of confidence in national schools. How do MPM/Pena and Muhyiddin/Cabinet's responses address the root causes?
Encouraging the boycott of Indian candidates shows that MPM/Pena (how many of them are also members of Perkasa?) think of themselves as Malay first. I predict neither Najib nor Muhyiddin will make substantive comments on the MPM/Pena rant. Amending the book is a laughable “political solution" to demonstrate BN “listens to the people.”
It's the education system which needs an overhaul – but admitting it needs reform requires admitting it's broken and assessing the root causes. Do MPM/Pena and BN have any plans to do this?
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