Sad and unacceptable: Hafez
Published on: Tuesday, December 02, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional Youth wants the Education Ministry, as well as Sabah Education Department, to investigate the claim that a school in Keningau is disallowing students from wearing religious symbols to school.Stern action also needs to be taken against the school or teachers if it is proven true, as it is not only going against the Constitution and Malaysia Agreement, on the freedom of religion, but has also caused much unnecessary anxiety among the multi-racial and multi-religious community in the State.Its chief Haji Yamani Hafez Musa, who was shocked to read the news, said the Ministry and department concerned also need to make sure that the school involved, as well as the others also enforcing such guidelines, would take it off their respective list of guidelines as it disturbed the sensitivity of the people.
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He said it is very sad and unacceptable that a school in Sabah could come up with such a guideline which also goes against the Education Ministry policy and law."It is a surprise to us all in the State which is known for its people who have great tolerance, understanding and respect for each other's religious beliefs, which is the very reason for the peace and harmony that we are enjoying right now…so this needs to be checked and stopped," he said.Hafiz, who is also Sabah Umno Youth Chief, said schools should remain as a place for children to learn about and respect other religions and races, as they grow to become potential future leaders of the nation.He said both the Chief Minister and Prime Minister have also given their respective assurance on freedom of religion in Sabah, particularly and the country, in general.
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It was reported that the regulation imposed by Sekolah Menengah Ken Wah in Keningau had caused confusion, anger and uneasiness among shocked parents and students there.It was reported that students who defy the regulation would be given counselling and if they still refuse to abide, they can be subjected to caning and ultimately suspension.
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The regulation that came under Kebersihan Diri (Personal Cleanliness) stated that students are not allowed to wear jewellery and "tanda Keagamaan" (religious symbols such as the Crucifix for Christians especially).Non-Muslim students, especially Christians, are required to obtain permission first from the school's disciplinary board if they wish to wear the Crucifix. This was also confirmed by a senior teacher who said students who want to wear such religious symbols must get approval from the school, after which they will be issued with a Pas Kebenaran (pass) that they must bring along with them to school.One of the concerned parents said he failed to understand how a sacred religious symbol could be considered an object of annoyance to other religions when the main objective of wearing it is to profess the person's love of his or her God.The parent said that there is nothing under the Education Act or under the Malaysian law that says students can be punished for wearing their respective religious symbols in schools.Under Article 11 (1) of the Constitution, the people's freedom of religion is assured, he said, adding such freedom is also assured under the 20-Point Agreement which is the basis for Sabah's participation in the Federation of Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Sabah Mamagun Organisation is taking a serious view of the regulation. Its Treasurer General, Sylvester @ Mutang Dawat who also heads the organisation's customs and religious bureau, said teachers should realise that apart from teaching students based on the syllabus, it was also imperative for them to have a deeper understanding on their religion in order to mould a good personality.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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