Let BK replace Moral
Will arrest moral decline among youths, say Mission Schools
Allow Bible Knowledge to replace Pendidikan Moral (Moral Education) in mission schools to help arrest the deterioration of moral standard among our youths. This is among the resolutions passed at the Conference of Christian Mission Schools on June 26 and 27 in Kuala Lumpur.
The conference acknowledged that, while the teaching of Moral Education in schools for non-Muslim students has the virtuous aim of inculcating good moral values to improve their character and conduct, it does not place emphasis on God. And, when God is absent, youths are not guided by their conscience, the fear of God and the after life.
Forty-one representatives from 425 mission schools from both East and West Malayia attended this conference, made historic because it was the first time the East Malaysia side participated.
Mission schools have always had the reputation of being the best schools in terms of character building, high academic standards as well as extra-curricular activities. The conference was therefore a timely opportunity to encourage, affirm and unite the schools' common concern in improving their current high standards and providing the best opportunities for their students.
In view of the sizeable number of mission schools in the country, the conference also passed a resolution asking the Government to establish a special unit within the Education Ministry to deal with matters which are unique to mission schools. This unit would enhance communication and effective implementation of policies between the schools and the Ministry as it will reduce the current lack of understanding among ministry officials.
In addition, the unit should be staffed with officers who understand and appreciate the history, culture and ethos of mission schools, and are sensitive to the distinctive operational character and needs of mission schools.
As for the issue of limiting SPM candidates to 10 subjects, the conference was of the opinion that this would restrict the scope of more talented students and prevent the schools from offering a more holistic range of subjects. Furthermore, a wider range of subjects will give students the opportunity to choose their careers.
The Pupils Own Language (POL), English Literature and Bible Knowledge (BK) are subjects not normally taught in school. They are, however, what provide for a well-rounded education and prepare the student for adult life.
Hence, limiting the students to 10 subjects will curtail the more capable science students to be well rounded in both the Arts and Sciences.
Another deep concern is that the 10-subject limit will lead to the 'death' of many minor subjects, including BK, and limit the creativity, innovativeness and knowledge of future Malaysians.
The conference then proposed that the limit be raised to 12 subjects. |
