Abim says Titas will prevent repeat of Alvivi incident
The teaching of Islamic and Asian civilisation (Titas) in private higher education institutions will inculcate respect among races and avoid incidents which can be deemed offensive to Muslims, such as the controversial posting by bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, said Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim).
The teaching of Islamic and Asian civilisation (Titas) in private higher education institutions will inculcate respect among races and avoid any incidents which can be deemed offensive to Muslims, such as the controversial posting by bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, said Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim).
Abim president Amidi Abdul Manan (
left
) said the subject would also help the people to appreciate diversity.
“There would not be anyone wanting to drive away anyone or attempt to degrade or belittle a any particular race,” he said.
Amidi said he agrees that the subject should be made compulsory in all private institutions of higher learning, as it had become part of the Malaysian educational institutions identity.
“It is wise and should be made compulsory (in private universities) as they (the students) are also part of the people and undergratuates. Hence, there is a need for a Malaysian identity and the need to study (the subject),” he said.
“If not, students will become like the couple Alvin and Vivian.”
Islamophobia
Titas is a compulsory subject for public university students since 1999 and is scheduled to be introduced for private university students from Sept 1, worth three credit hours.
The matter came to light after it was raised in the Dewan Rakyat by Kampar MP Ko Chung Sen. Both DAP and MCA have raised objections against Titas in private universities.
Following this, a coalition of Chinese-based youth organisations claimed that Titas was an attempt at " indoctrination " for non-Muslims.
Abim said these were "wild" allegations and that there were no elements of Islamic indoctrination in Titas and that critics should study its contents before passing comment.
"This is clearly a symptom of Islamophobia... They fail to understand Islam and are making allegations irresponsibly," he said.
Other signatories of the Abim statement are Pertubuhan Linguistik Malaysia, Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM) and Akademi Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan dan Demokrasi.
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