Dr Wee (centre) and Perak MCA Chairman Datuk Mah Hang Soon (behind Dr Wee) walking through a crowd of supporters as they leave the Perak MCA convention held at the Red Crescent Hall in Ipoh yesterday. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: A clearer explanation on the implementation of the “Imam Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith” appreciation module from the beginning would have prevented misconceptions about it, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the words used such as “perintis” (pioneer) and “memperluaskan” (expand) to describe the module raised a lot of questions as well as doubts from the community.
Because it was not explained clearly, people had their own interpretation of the module being expanded to schools.
“When I met the Prime Minister in Johor, I explained the situation, and he understood the perspective.
“He also explained the true concept of the module, which was followed by a clearer statement from the Education Ministry.
“So, all this confusion and questions could have been avoided if, in the beginning itself, the intention of the module was explained better,” he told reporters after opening the Perak MCA convention at the Red Crescent Hall here yesterday.
On Friday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the implementation of the module would ensure Muslim youth in the country understood the true teaching of Islam.
The Prime Minister said the government was concerned that the existing Islamic education would cause young Muslims to be easily influenced because they did not fully understand the teachings of the religion.
He had said the module would be the basis for Muslims, especially the younger generation, to master and understand Islam.
“So please do not misunderstand as we are not forcing non-Muslim students,” Anwar had said.
The Education Ministry, in a statement on Friday, also had said the module would only involve Muslim teachers and students.
On another issue, Dr Wee said that the Penang state government should clarify why the venue of an upcoming concert was changed.
Dr Wee said he found it strange since both locations were in Penang.
“I don’t know what the state government’s justification is, because last time (former chief minister) Lim Guan Eng used to say if there were any concerts cancelled elsewhere, they should head to Penang.
“But now it looks like their actions are a little strange. The state government used to say that the green wave will not reach Penang, but with the latest development, people are asking what is going on.
“If last time they used to criticise others, now it is the same for others to ask them questions as well,” he said.
Recently, during a press conference, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the organisers agreed to relocate the “Viral Lagu-Lagu TikTok Malaysia Indonesia 2023” concert from Dewan Millennium in Kepala Batas to Batu Kawan Stadium in Nibong Tebal.
On the issue of men having to wear songkok before they could attend the Penang state executive council swearing-in ceremony, Dr Wee pointed out DAP used to criticise MCA when its members wore the songkok.
“This is a matter of consistency – previously, there were complaints when MCA did the same and our leaders lost elections due to this issue.
“After a few decades the same thing is happening, so they need to walk the talk,” he added.
On Aug 16, men attending the Penang exco swearing-in ceremony were told to wear a songkok before they could enter the ceremony hall in Dewan Sri Pinang.
The new rule had surprised many as there was no such requirement in similar state ceremonies in the past.
