I refer to a news report in the mainstream media about the Education Ministry's latest proposal to include the topic of racial harmony in the Moral subject that non-Muslim students take when their Muslim friends attend Islamic classes.

Isn't that a hoot! How are we supposed to inculcate racial harmony in our children when the majority race is taking Islamic lessons and not included in this 'education'? Racial harmony and unity will not happen if the affirmative action taken to redress the economic imbalance is perceived to benefit only one particular race.

This latest proposal comes at a time when almost everyone, except those in the Education Ministry, feels that something is seriously wrong with the content of Moral lessons. How will learning 16 main attributes of 'morals' and more than 60 sub-attributes, and sticking to rigid answers on such a subjective topic such as this help the students to be better adults? The classes are even boring to boot!

I think it would be better if non-Muslim students are taught the basic morals based on the various religions practised by the citizens of this country so that they will be aware of and learn to respect - and thus tolerate - religious differences between the various ethnic groups. After all, the freedom to practise one's religion is provided for under the Federal Constitution.

As for the Muslim students, a way must be found to include familiarisation of other religions as well to inculcate the respect and tolerance for religions other than Islam, otherwise, again, it is a one-sided affair and will not create the religious tolerance that is so important in a multi-religious society such as ours.

If that is not feasible for whatever reason, I think that the period allotted to Moral studies would be more productively and happily spent by teachers and students in promoting thinking and debating skills, or creative or social community pursuits.

I urge those in the Education Department to take heed of the people's pragmatic and rational views and please do not simply make ridiculous proposals; you are after all the policy makers who are responsible for the development of the leaders of tomorrow!