Ban on crucifix claims baseless – director

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KOTA KINABALU: Provisions of the National Education Policy which involved wearing jewelleries, including religious symbols in school, encompass believers of all faiths and not just Christian students alone, said state education director Datuk Jame Alip.

And while there are regulations in the policy prohibiting the wearing of jewelleries in school, students who wish to wear religious symbols can do so albeit discreetly, such as keeping them hidden under uniforms and not in ways that may display religious extremism.

“The reason for such provision is so that no one wears overly ‘showy’ religious symbols in school, as such extremism may cause uneasiness and sensitivity issues among others of different faiths,” said Jame at a press conference here yesterday.

Referring to a report on Monday regarding the regulation outlined by a secondary school in Keningau, Jame said that while the school may have good intention in outlining such regulation, it may have used the wrong approach, which in turn was misinterpreted by the parents involved.

Jame disclosed that he had contacted the principal of the said school, who clarified that the accusation to ban Christian students from wearing the crucifix to school was baseless and inaccurate.

The school, however, has been directed to provide a full report, and may be asked to review or abolish contents of the regulations that are found to contradict the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy.

“If there is a need, we will also advise the school, particularly the principal, to meet with the parents involved on the issue to clarify and put right the matter,” he said.

Jame expressed the hope that heads of schools will engage parents of students before implementing programmes and policies, so that any such implementation receives the understanding and approval of all parties involved.

“They should also ensure that the policies that they are going to implement do not contradict with the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy,” he said.

“I hope this issue will be settled and not unduly sensationalised. The focus now should be on rectifying the matter and restoring the harmony,” he added.

Meanwhile, UPKO Penampang Youth chief Carl Moosom has echoed Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah Youth chief Yamani Hafez Musa’s call that the Education Ministry investigates the claim that the school in Keningau is disallowing its students from wearing religious symbols to school.

Carl in a statement yesterday said that Upko Penampang Youth shared Hafez’s view on the issue and urged the relevant authorities to ensure that no stones are unturned in their investigation so that they can get to the bottom of the matter.

“We do not want things like this to occur again in the future. Malaysia being a multi-racial country must allow certain degree of moral and religion values to ensure we are at peace and harmony with all races and religion in our country, especially in our education system where our future leader are groomed and made.

“We want the future generation to practice high tolerance between race and religion in order to enjoy what we enjoy today. We also ought to have respect for one another to maintain it,” Carl said.