KUCHING (Nov 17): The recent proposal by Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus to reintroduce the Bible studies in the primary schools across Sarawak has been well received among netizens, said political scientist Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan.
Jayum, who is a member of the National Unity Advisory Council member and fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, noted that it was unfortunate that the suggestion did not resonate with many Christian lawmakers in the State Legislative Assembly.
“Netizens viewed it as beneficial for Christian students as well as giving non-Christian students an opportunity to really learn about the religion of their compatriots,” he said in a statement today.
According to him, John’s idea is not new but welcome.
Jayum pointed out that Bible studies were part of the subjects in schools under the Sarawak Junior Certificate, Senior Cambridge syllabus and examination systems.
He recalled that Bible studies was a subject open for all students to choose from.
“In past decades, it helped many non-Christian students understand their fellow Christians better. This promoted understanding and acceptance of differences in a plural society.”
He added that the proposal is very relevant to instil good Christian values, especially among Christian students.
He said even non-Christian students who want to understand others’ religions may find this comforting.
He believed that students may understand and appreciate others better, especially in this multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.
However, he said this idea may be slow to pick up if Christian assemblymen remain silent.
“It was a healthy call by the Dayak member of the main ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“But he may risk the wrath of other Dayaks of Pesaka wing and especially the Bumiputera side for trying to be a champion and undermine the leadership of the more passive Pesaka Dayak,” explained Jayum.
He opined that there is no need to seek the help of the state’s ministry in charge of education to have the Bible studies on the ‘subject list’ for schools.
“This will only create polemic when the issue is not. Do not give opportunity for people to ‘stalk in muddy water’. Christians and their institutions, for instance, the Methodist, Catholic and Anglican missions could take upon themselves to provide this lesson through after-school Bible classes.
“Furthermore, most churches already have Sunday Bible classes. These could be expanded to provide good Bible education to their members and their members’ children. Hence, mission accomplished without involving a third party that may be unsympathetic,” he added.
On Thursday, John expressed hope to see the reintroduction of Bible studies in Sarawak’s primary schools.
He urged the state to revive what he described as a foundational aspect of Sarawak’s educational history, rooted in tolerance and respect, while highlighting the significant role played by Christian missionaries from Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist denominations.
This post was originally published on here