MCA seeks unbiased review of syllabus and contents of History textbooks
The Star Online
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2008.07.02
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA has recommended that a multiracial committee
similar to the one formed to fine-tune the Ethnic Relations module be
set up to review and finalise the syllabus and contents of History
textbooks.
Its education bureau chief Senator Datuk Lee Sing Chooi said a review
paper providing recommendations to improve the syllabus had been
submitted to Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
“As citizens of a multi-ethnic, cultural and religious country, it is
paramount to give due recognition to the history of each community in an
unbiased manner.
“The subject should not just focus on one section of the community while
neglecting to mention the roles and struggles of all communities,” he
said at a press conference at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
He said information on major civilisations throughout the world should
be expanded further to keep abreast with general knowledge and to
encourage the understanding of international relations and history.
“This will provide a more balanced paradigm for our future generations
and offer them a more competitive edge in embracing the challenges of
globalisation,” he said.
Lee said personal convictions that might influence impressionable youths
should be omitted from the contents of the textbooks.
“Terms which will spark feelings of uneasiness, resentment and result in
rifts in our multiracial country must be avoided.
“The younger generation should be provided with a well-balanced
perspective to instil unity and to share a common burden of nation-
building and progressive outlook for the benefit of all,” he said.
At a separate press conference, Hishammuddin said he would study the
syllabus and contexts of the textbooks in a comprehensive way.
“The National Education Blueprint (2006-2010) is for us to bring
transformation to the educational field, and within these five years we
will listen to constructive suggestions,” he said.
Lee together with The Review Paper project coordinator Loh Seng Kok and
Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research CEO Fui K. Soong
later issued a joint statement addressing the same sentiment. |
