Author: Ramlan Said
Publication: New Straits Times
Date: November 28, 2002
URL: http://www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/20021128080337/Article/
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir
Mohamad said the Government suspended funds to Sekolah Agama Rakyat temporarily
as it does not want to see the creation of society with Muslims knowledgeable
in religious matters only.
He said such a situation would not
augur well for the country as Muslims should possess skills and knowledge
in various disciplines as demanded by Islam, lest they be left behind.
Dr Mahathir said it was not necessary
for all Muslims to become ulama or religious teachers, hence there was
no necessity for parents to clamour sending their children to religious
schools.
He said national schools should
be the preferred choice as besides other subjects being taught, religious
education was also not neglected.
Besides, children from various races
mixing together would also enhance national unity and cooperation, elements
that should be strengthened as they had helped the country to remain prosperous
and peaceful over the years.
Speaking at a Hari Raya aid presentation
ceremony to orphans at Bangunan Tabung Haji, the Prime Minister said having
too many qualified persons in religion would serve no one any good.
"For example, the Government has
advertised 100 vacancies for religious teachers but 4,000 applied. This
means 3,900 people will not be successful...they will also find it difficult
to get other jobs as they are not trained in other fields.
"This is the problem that will create
tension in our society especially among Muslims. Frustrated, they might
turn to undesirable activities." The Prime Minister said if every Muslim
was to become an ulama, problems could crop up especially when everybody
held dissenting views on religious matters.
As a result, the community would
be divided into groups and sects, each with their own leaders which would
weaken Islam further.
He said parents should understand
why the Government wanted their children to be sent to national schools.
He said the Government was a bit
disappointed that its efforts to integrate children while in school had
not been that successful as the Malays, Chinese and Indians preferred to
have their children study at religious and national-type schools.
"Religious education is also taught
at national schools and for those who choose to make it a career, similar
with other disciplines, they can further their studies in universities
and colleges offering such courses.
"This is the best approach that
should be adopted by us living in a multi-ethnic society." Dr Mahathir
explained this was the real intention of the Government in suspending aid
to religious schools.
"We will have religious schools
but we will not assist those who pulled students from national schools
to study at a place lacking facilities and trained teachers.
"Worse, they do not teach religion
but other things like how to hate government leaders. This is totally opposite
the true teachings of Islam that they should impart to the children." Dr
Mahathir said the Government was committed to developing Islam but the
need to master non-religious skills should not be neglected.
On the event, Dr Mahathir praised
the organiser, the Federal Territory Muslim Orphans Welfare Association,
for its untiring effort in providing assistance to needy children, including
non-Muslims.
