#khat

UPDATED 4.23PM | She says she has sent Maszlee a text message about the Education Ministry's plan.

Lim is alleged to have made such comments during a party meeting on the issue on Monday night.

Ewon Benedict points to teachers' welfare and 587 dilapidated schools in the state.

It will only be taught 4 times a year for 10 minutes as support material for BM syllabus, says S Vijayaletchumy.

COMMENT | There would be no brouhaha over the introduction of khat if consultation had taken place,

COMMENT | Khat and religion in this country are not mutually exclusive. Perhaps it is elsewhere, but not in this country.

The inclusion only comprises khat calligraphy and not learning of Jawi script, says deputy minister.

UPDATED 7.40PM | Dong Zong's official welcomes the memorandum, saying differences in opinion must be respected.

After burning the midnight oil with DAP reps, the party sec-gen meets the PM again this morning.

V Ganabatirau fails to understand the logic in making khat compulsory, and demands that the minister reverse the decision.

Its deputy president says the country needs a cabinet that is united.

He says this in response to DAP grassroots' blaming the prime minister for the khat issue.

They wanted to ask the deputy education minister about the contentious introduction of khat.

ADUN SPEAKS | 'It isn't so much the fear of khat per se, but what might follow if such an education policy takes root.'

Sociologist Denison Jayasooria urges gov't to improve the formulation and communication of its policies. 

DAP sec-gen says the party will issue a formal statement on the matter later.

Sec-gen says it is inappropriate to make it an issue that invites controversy.

UPDATE 1.30AM | Lim Guan Eng says an official statement on the party's position will be released later in the day.

DPM says she is aware of the Chinese community’s concern when gov't decided to introduce khat.

"We are sure the learning of khat will not change anyone's identity and faith."

They want the ministry to specify what will be added to the syllabus before rolling out the initiative.

Former minister says since students are hard-pressed for time, they should focus on things of practical use.