Bible knowledge can now be taught to Christian students in schools: Dompok

(Bernama) – PENAMPANG: Bible knowledge can now be taught to Christian students in government secondary and mission schools in the country after regular school hours, Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said Saturday.

Dompok, who chairs the Technical Committee for Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputras, said the landmark decision was reached at the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputras chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Feb 7.

“On behalf of the people, I would like to thank the prime minister and the federal government for being sensitive to the wishes and aspirations of the community, particularly Christians.

“We believe this decision will go a long way towards the full realisation of the 1Malaysia concept,” he told reporters after launching a mobile clinic service here.

He said he hoped that the decision would enable the students concerned to sit for the Bible Knowledge elective subject examination at Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level.

Dompok, who is also United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president, said the cabinet committee had also agreed to several other resolutions submitted by the Federation of Christian Mission Schools Malaysia last year.

This included the establishment of clubs, including religious clubs, in mission schools, which only needed approval from the headmasters or principals, he said.

Dompok said the Education Ministry would issue a circular or guideline on this matter soon. – Bernama