00:00Two academics have welcomed the decision to make the federal constitution and Malaysian history compulsory general study subjects in universities,
00:10saying it will foster unity and strengthen acceptance of the nation's diversity.
00:15Sharifa Munira Al-Atas said the subjects would help students understand Malaysia's diverse history and belief systems,
00:23including those of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and indigenous Bumi Putras.
00:29Munira said knowing the other is key to understanding and acceptance,
00:33adding that merely tolerating diversity is insufficient and that both subjects are vital in nurturing acceptance.
00:40She added that familiarity with the past is no threat to Islam or Bahasa Melayu
00:46and suggested that those who feel threatened should study Islamic history,
00:50noting that Muslim empires once thrived by preserving diversity.
00:54On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government identified the two subjects
00:59to ensure all undergraduates gain a basic understanding of Malaysia's history and constitution regardless of their field of study.
01:08Meanwhile, Zaharun Nain, an adjunct professor, raised concerns over which version of history would be taught,
01:15noting the substantial criticisms leveled at the existing school syllabus.
01:18He said history lessons would be beneficial if aimed at education,
01:23but disastrous if used to propagandize and indoctrinate,
01:27stressing that who designs and teaches the curriculum matters more than grand claims about aims.
01:33Natasha Bust, FMT.
Comments