Bahasa Arab Subject ‘Never Compulsory’ in Malysia, Official Says

Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon gave an assurance today that the Arabic language is not a compulsory subject in public schools, after a parent raised the issue in an open letter.

He also promised to check with on the school in Cheras in which the parent claimed to be making Bahasa Arab a compulsory subject for students from Year 4 onwards.

“It is elective, never a compulsory subject. We have addressed this issue before to the parents,” Chong told reporters after visiting a Chinese school here, in response to the allegation.

“Yes, we will check with them,” Chong added when asked if the ministry will approach the school alleged to be forcing all students to learn Bahasa Arab.

In a recent letter published in The Star Online, Jonathan Abishegam said he found out his son was being made to learn Bahasa Arab at school and was later told by the school administration that it was a directive from the Education Ministry.

Abishegam said it would be disadvantageous for his non-Muslim son to study the subject compared to Muslim students who have been taught it from young. (source)