SERI KEMBANGAN, 12 November, 2023:Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has urged politicians, especially those with ulterior motives, to refrain from exploiting religion or education for personal or political gain.
Stressing that such an unscrupulous act is unacceptable to a vast majority of moderate and peace-loving Malaysians, he sincerely hoped that Malaysians of all races and especially the leaders and politicians, would constantly promote the love, peace, and unity brought about by religion and education.
“Hence, we in Huazong would always recognize and fully support IKRAM’s long-standing efforts in promoting the right religious and educational principles, which we believe is rather crucial towards promoting race and religious harmony in a multiracial country like Malaysia. We sincerely hope IKRAM could continue to step up its effort in this aspect,” he said.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) expressed this during the courtesy call by the more than 70 members delegation from IKRAM led by its President Badlishah Sham Baharin, at Wisma Huazong here, on Saturday. The delegation was also given a tour of the Malaysian Chinese Museum (MCM) which is housed in Wisma Huazong, during the courtesy call.
Registered with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) since 2009, Ikram is an Islamic grassroots organisation with a focus on public education and community work.
Goh also commended IKRAM for its moderate and inclusive approach that is well aligned with the principles embraced by various ethnic organizations, including Huazong, which he recognized as rather precious in Malaysia’s diverse and multi-ethnic society.
He also commended IKRAM for its positive role in establishing 53 religious schools (35 primary schools and 18 secondary schools) since its inception in 2000. He noted that these schools, besides having their own syllabus also adopted parts of the government’s curriculum, and the students are required to sit for the Malaysia Certificate of Examination (SPM). He was also very impressed with the outstanding results achieved by the students over the years.
Emphasizing the importance of formal, professional, and systematic approaches to education, Goh thus called for increased government attention and assistance, including annual budget allocations to support formal education initiatives by non-governmental organizations. He stressed that education is the foundation of a strong nation and plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive outlook on life, particularly in Malaysia’s diverse society.
He also recognized the significance of correct religious beliefs and ideas in promoting national unity, religious and racial harmony in a multiracial and multi faiths country.
Meanwhile, Goh expressed regret that despite the fact that the era of the Malaysian communist party was long gone and it had been banned by the government, there were still certain individuals who continue to stereotype or link Chinese Malaysians to the Communist party.
“Take the May 13 incident for instance, which is part of our history. If we were to raise this issue again today, it should be solely aimed at reminding our young generation to prevent the recurrence of such painful lessons rather than using it to blame others,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response, Badlishah assured that IKRAM would continue to work closely with Huazong in various cross ethnic sectors, towards promoting a moderate and sensible multiracial Malaysia.
He especially hoped that the two organizations could conduct more dialogues and exchanges, to reach a consensus to resolve various pressing issues affecting the nation and its multiracial society.
Among Huazong leaders who were in attendance included Huazong Vice President, Dato’ Ooi Poh Choon, Executive Committee member, Dr Teh Beng Hong, Central Committee Members, Datuk Dr Hoo Ch’ng Pow and Goh Han Koon, and Acting Youth Chief, Lee Chem Han; members of IKRAM delegation included its Deputy President, Jusni B. Yussof, Vice President Prof. Dr Hanim, Secretary-general, Hj Sharul Aman, Treasurer-general Ismail Awang, Youth Chief Khairul Anuar, and Women Chief Ustazah Sallahwahiu, among others.-pr/BNN
