Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email I read that History subject may be taught in primary schools following PM Badawi’s suggestions recently. Of course, its just an idea, and various groups will have proposals and objections. I’m more interested in who’s version of History would be taught. Which period of history would the subject cover – circa 1957, circa 1500s, or circa 1970s?
As its commonly knows history is written by the winners.
Now, university students are also being targeted with a new curriculum. Says UMNO VP-in-waiting Muhyiddin Yassin:
Universities in Malaysia have been urged to create a new co-curriculum to explain issues regarding the social contract which has often drawn the attention of various parties off late. Umno vice president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said explaining the issues to the younger generation especially university students was important so as to avoid confusion.
“The important thing is not to question the social contract but to give an explanation so that they understand what the social contract is all about especially among the younger generation, because not all understand the social contract.
“Therefore, giving the explanation with proper methods and linking it with the country’s history is important,” he told reporters after delivering a lecture on Malay-Muslim Politics – Crisis and Solution at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here today.
Besides, he said, university lecturers should play a crucial role in giving the explanation.
“An effective explanation is important because when the students leave and mix around with the community, it will be easy for them to understand the concept of democracy and the constitution that we have,” said Muhyiddin who is International Trade and Industry Minister.
He said the social contract issues had been solved long ago and all parties should accept it.
One can easily wonder if this is nothing more than a brainwashing exercise to enforce master-slave relationship. One can only wonder.
