Thursday July 20, 2006
Ethnic Relations module withdrawn
PUTRAJAYA: The controversial Ethnic Relations module taught at Universiti Putra Malaysia has been withdrawn, and will be replaced with a new one.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Cabinet discussed the matter yesterday and felt that sensitive racial issues should not be incorporated in a book used by students.
“This book must be seen as an important book because it is a reference for our students, and we need to take into account matters that are sensitive to all the races,” he told a press conference at his office here.
“I feel that while historical facts should not be changed, we must bear in mind that our interpretation of history is also important, that we should not raise matters that can create unhealthy situations.”
Abdullah said a new book would be prepared by a panel comprising local historians who would ensure that the younger generation would not be confused or misled.
Asked whether the current guidebook would be withdrawn immediately, Abdullah replied: “Yes, (Higher Education Minister) Datuk Mustapa (Mohamed) said so.”
The Prime Minister said there was no need to point fingers at any particular race for any action taken by a certain section of that race.
“For example, when there are terrorists who are Muslims, we do not view all Muslims as terrorists. We criticise the action taken by that group,” he said.
“It is the same with a coalition like the Barisan Nasional. Some Chinese might have done something, but the MCA will say 'we will never act that way'.
“We cannot generalise and say that a certain race will do this or that.”
Abdullah said racial issues were still sensitive to the people although Malaysia had almost 50 years of independence.
“Just look at the reaction,” he pointed out. “We are still sensitive (on race matters).
“We are still in the process of getting Malaysians to see themselves as one race that has the same aspiration.”
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