If those people who are familiar with MIC care to recall proposals/memorandums and resolutions made in the last 20 years, they’ll find that nothing much has changed. One can, to a certain extent, understand that because even the president has been around for 30 odd years. One can’t expect miracles.

Never mind that only last September this topic cropped up. I guess many of the round-table discussions, seminars, meetings, getaways, committees in the last decade or so would have suggested this idea in one way or another. Maybe they feel its not worth the time to dig back the past research, reports, studies etc., so the solution is to conduct yet another research and submit a memorandum. Where have we heard these lines before? 🙂

So, here we go again. MIC Youth has sent “a letter” to Education Minister. The leader, Mohan said that they have to start somewhere. I think he meant re-start because most likely next year this idea will come up again.

The argument is simple. Having other religions being taught will make it look like its on par or same pedestal with the religion that is official religion of the federation. For those people, their religion must be the first and the only one. The rest is sidelined, because it says so in the constitution. Liberal (one-sided) interpretation is made on the status of religion of federation, thus we have discrimination (or in better words, less emphasis) on other religions. As long as “others” can practice their religion in limited conditions, due to their tolerance and good heart, the “others” should be eternally thankful and not question at all.

Come on, when even temple height can’t be taller than their mosque height, you want to bring Hinduism to school? Even if the Tamil school got one muslim student, there will be a religious teacher assigned for him/her. That is the extent of expenses and power of the liberal interpretation of “religion of federation”.

Try suggesting a inter-faith committee, or department of non-muslim religious affairs. Try asking for tax exemption for donations related to religion or to tamil schools. Try asking for 60/40 budget for religious purposes.

We can’t argue with these people who are insecure, depend on outdated laws, and who need to resort to threats/violence. Just look at the PERKASA meeting last weekend. We have a 1/4 Indian Muslim fighting for Malay rights and yet the message is clear –  “Keep quiet or else”.

We don’t have the quality and qualified people to teach Hinduism. We don’t have enough classrooms to even run proper classes. We don’t have proper facilities in schools.

All the above sounds very pessimistic, but that’s what I feel. Deep inside, I wish the idea will succeed, but knowing the reality, its just wishful thinking.

KUALA LUMPUR: MIC Youth has urged the Government to implement religious education in Tamil schools as a measure to overcome social ills in the Indian community.

MIC Youth coordinator T. Mohan said religious education would help steer youths away from damaging activities.

“It is saddening to see reports of Indians being involved in gangsterism and violent crimes in the newspapers of late. We believe these youths had not been given any religious education,” he told reporters after chairing the national council meeting here Monday.

Mohan said the wing had already submitted a letter to Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein requesting religious education be introduced in Tamil schools.

“We are undertaking some research and will submit a memorandum to the ministry within four months,” he said.

Mohan said the results would not be seen overnight but he was sure of positive results within five years.

“We have to start somewhere to ensure that there is a future for our generation in the country,” he said.

Mohan said the wing would also have discussions with Indian-based non-governmental organisations to find ways of reducing the incidence of crime within the Indian community.