Ignoring the threat of protests, NGO Seni Khat Action Team (Sekat) proceeded with its National Jawi Congress in Petaling Jaya today.
Today’s congress is being held a day after Chinese educationist group Dong Zong complied with a court order, obtained by Kajang police, to call off their own congress to discuss objections against government’s implementation of Jawi lessons in the Year Four Bahasa Malaysia syllabus.
A coalition of Malay-Muslim NGOs had yesterday warned “liberal groups” against proceeding with their gathering today, after they claimed credit for scuttling Dong Zong’s plan by announcing a counter-gathering.
Quizzed on presence of Rela personnel as additional security outside the hall entrance, Sekat secretary Arun Doraisamy said they were deployed at the organiser’s request, based on advice from local police.
“After our discussion with IPD PJ, based in their advice…we want to make sure that everything is smooth,” he added.
Among guests present were former Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon, NGO Ikram central committee member Zaid Kamarudin, as well as representatives from Sarawak.
Others seen among the crowd included representatives from Tamil and Chinese vernacular schools.
The congress featured a panel comprising, among others, activist Siti Kasim and academician Prof Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi.
The congress adopted seven resolutions which would be handed over to the Education Ministry tomorrow.
Arun said he hoped that would persuade the government to agree to a dialogue with the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sabah and Sarawak groups.
“We have achieved our objective today. We successfully showed the country that this is not a racial issue. No chaos or riots and we even invited our friends from a Malay NGO to join and listen to us.
“All we wanted was a dialogue with the ministry, but the discussion must involve the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Sabah and Sarawak (representatives).
“The seven resolutions passed today will be handed over to the ministry at 11.30am tomorrow,” Arun said.
Sekat states in its resolutions that it opposed the compulsory introduction of Jawi lessons without consultation as well as the inclusion of Jawi into the Bahasa Melayu module as a “must pass subject”.
It states that Jawi should be an elective subject; that Bahasa Melayu be prioritised as the national language; that the rights of vernacular schools be recognised and that the move to teach Jawi in the vernacular schools be deferred.
Sekat will consider taking the Jawi issue up to court if it is unable to reach an agreement with the government over the teaching of the Arabic script in the vernacular schools.
Arun said the courts would be the last resort.
“(We state) in our resolutions that we want the subject to be postponed until a discussion is held. We want to find a point of equation but if we can’t then we will have to bring this matter to the court as this is a national issue,” he said.
Siti Kassim later told reporters that Putrajaya needed to consult the people more on sensitive issues.
“The approach by the ministry was good. There were some improvements. I can say it is better than the previous government. They listen but they can be better, and I hope they will continue to improve.”
“They need to consult the rakyat more especially in cases like this, which is sensitive,” she said.
The congress today was held at the Crystal Crown Hotel.
About 1,100 people showed up, including a group of Malays who wanted Jawi to be taught in school. The Malay group was led by actress Ellie Suriati Ibrahim. The group was initially not allowed into the congress hall but were admitted after a brief discussion with Arun.
Arun and Ellie were seen shaking hands as the group was ushered into the hall.
Arun later addressed the group saying that any differences could be settled in a civilised manner.
He added that he was willing to attend any discussion with the Malay groups with regards to the Jawi conundrum.
“It shows that whatever differences we may have, they can be resolved. Today is proof. They were here and we invited them in because we have no other motive.”
“I am a Malaysian, they are also Malaysians. We can differ in views, but we can always talk and discuss. I am ready to attend any of their congress and I will be glad if I can explain to them what we want,” Arun said at the event’s conclusion.
Police officers from the Petaling Jaya district were deployed to monitor the congress which ended peacefully after three hours.