‘Society has become too sensitive’

Dhong Zong’s objection to the education masterplan saw a disappointed Education Minister advise Muslims to prioritise unity and cordial ties against rising racial polarization.

(Bernama) – He said Dhong Zhong viewed the government’s good intention as racist although it took almost two years to gather input on PIPP to be in line with the Education Act and the education philosophy.

The United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia’s (Dhong Zong) decision to object to the Education Development Master Plan (PIPP) 2013-2025 has  disappointed Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who sees it as the latest trend in polarization especially in the context of race relations.

He said today’s society has become too sensitive that well planned efforts by the government is considered as negative and turned into racial issues as has happened to the PIPP.

Muhyiddin who is also Education Minister said the trend is not helping to foster the spirit of unity among all races.

“I was informed that the Dhong Zhong gathering yesterday (Sunday) issued a resolution to stop what we are doing in PIPP, formed to develop the education sector.

“It was designed with good intentions, however, it is seen as racist…13 years (execution of PIPP) is seen as an effort to abolish their mother tongue,” he said at a ‘buka puasa’ function at the official residence of Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir here last night.

He said Dhong Zhong viewed the government’s good intention as racist although it took almost two years to gather input on PIPP to be in line with the Education Act and the education philosophy.

Against this rising race polarization and great challenges ahead, he urged Muslims to prioritise unity and cordial ties.

“In this environment, the Muslim community will need to strengthen unity as some people assume that we are not strong leading them to question the rights contained in the constitution, religion and the rulers,” he said.

At the event, Muhyiddin presented dates zam zam water, sarong and robes to the chairman and committee members of district mosques in the state.

He then joined Muslims in ‘maghrib’, ‘isyak’ and ‘tarawih’ prayers led by Sheikh Osama Mohammad Iqbal, the Al-Quran teacher at Masjidil Haram in Makkah.