KUALA LUMPUR, August 28 – The Malaysian People’s Movement Party (Gerakan) supports the teaching of the 40 Hadiths Appreciation module as long as it is introduced only at the Islamic religious school level and not extended to non-Muslim students. The President of Gerakan, Datuk Dr. Dominic Lau, said that the initial statement regarding this matter was too broad and created concerns, especially among non-Muslim parents and students. He said the issue often faced under the current government is the failure in the explanation process, often causing anxiety among the public.
“I believe that every element of spirituality and religion should be incorporated into the educational curriculum; that is clear. What is important is the explanation process regarding this approach. “It is only hoped that the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) will adhere to the statement of its minister and provide assurance that this module will not be extended to non-Muslim students,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The MOE, in a statement, informed that the pilot program for the 40 Hadiths Appreciation Module will be implemented involving Islamic teachers and students in 61 National Religious Secondary Schools (SMKA) and 228 Government-Aided Religious Schools (SABK) nationwide. The implementation of the module is targeted only at Muslim teachers and students with the aim of fostering a spirit of benevolence, love, and strengthening religious understanding.
Dominic added that as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, all parties need to understand the context of moderation and respect each other’s religious approaches. As long as a particular study does not pose difficulties for others, there is nothing wrong with Muslims appreciating the fundamentals of purity in gathering life guidance, believed to help shape the better morals of young Muslims. I hope that the MOE will approach stakeholders, including parents, with explanations of the plan, its impact, and its journey,” he concluded.
