Explanation of '40 hadith' module must be done soon to avoid confusion - MCA
IPOH - The government must give a clear explanation of the implementation methods regarding Imam Nawawi's 40 Hadith Appreciation Module for schools in the nation earlier to avoid any confusion from the public.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said any changes or improvements to the education syllabus must be explained clearly for them to be easily accepted by all parties.
"If there were change in the education component, early stages such as directors could explain such, but when making such an open-ended statement, it would garner a lot of reactions.
"I think it must be explained, as many, especially the non-Muslim public, would not understand it," he said.
He said such after officiating the 2023 Annual Perak MCA General Assembly at Wisma Bulan Sabit Merah here on Saturday.
He said he did not reject the implementation of the module that involved Muslim teachers and students.
"What became a reaction by the public was that the words previously used were pilot projects, and then they were expanded to carry different meanings. If it was not explained and stopped there, the public would question what it meant.
"In a plural society, the usage of the words must be explained to ensure many gain a clear understanding; the same goes for any changes or contents in a subject," the former deputy education minister said.
On August 19, the Education Ministry launched Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith Appreciation Module for the purpose of fostering appreciation for the hadith at the school level.
A controversy erupted when the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) objected to the proposal and claimed it was against the Federal Constitution and the right to freedom of religion.
Anwar explained that it was not forced on non-Muslims, and they must understand the importance of implementing the module that was related to the well-being and harmony of a multiracial and multireligious society.
