Potential Rise of Religious-Based Kindergartens in Rural Areas
PETALING JAYA: The son of former deputy prime minister Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman has expressed concern over a potential increase in religion-based early childhood education centres in rural areas.
Funds Allocated to Jakim and Kemas
Substantial federal funds allocated to the Islamic development department (Jakim) and the community development department (Kemas) under the 2025 budget may unintentionally be fuelling the rise of such kindergartens in the Malay heartlands. Tawfik Ismail, ex-Sungai Benut MP, said these kindergartens were cause for concern as their focus on religion would undermine efforts to uplift rural communities through secular education.
Fear of Islamisation
Tawfik said these funds, intended to provide access to quality education, may be promoting Islamisation instead of fostering a balanced, secular education system.
Concerns Over Politicians’ Motives
He expressed concern that certain politicians may use the prevalence of these kindergartens to mislead future generations of Malays into believing that their race is perpetually under threat. The former Umno MP described these politicians as a “real danger” as they seek to keep hold of political power by instilling fear among the Malays while stoking disunity in Malaysia’s multiethnic society.
The "Green Wave" and its Implications
The “green wave” which swept through the country during the 15th general election (GE15) and in the six state elections the following year has seen a surge in the popularity of Perikatan Nasional, and especially PAS. The Islamist party secured 43 parliamentary seats in GE15, its highest haul ever, while PN made a clean sweep of state seats in Terengganu, and had an overwhelming majority in the state assemblies of Kedah and Kelantan in the last state elections.
Need for Unity and Tolerance
Tawfik said there was a need for Putrajaya to project diversity, rather than religious intolerance. “It will be challenging for our leaders to advocate for unity and tolerance in the region if our domestic realities point the other way,” he added.
Call to Action
Tawfik called on Malaysians and politicians to actively counter division by fostering cross-cultural understanding, sharing a personal story of how his late grandfather had adopted girls given away by poor Chinese families. He encouraged Malaysians to pursue similar “acts of unity”. “We must not allow political parties to divide Malaysians. Even small acts, like starting conversations with people from different backgrounds, can bridge divides.”
Stop the Bogeyman Culture
Syed Farid Alatas, a prominent sociologist from the National University of Singapore, shared Tawfik’s concerns and urged Putrajaya to prioritise policies that benefit all citizens, particularly the B40 income group, rather than fuel racial or religious divides. “There is no danger of the Malays losing out. They are the majority. What is needed now are policies that uplift all Malaysians regardless of race, pushing incomes higher and improving education. It will build trust in the government and foster unity,” Syed Farid told FMT.
Conclusion
The allocation of substantial funds to Jakim and Kemas under the 2025 budget may unintentionally fuel the rise of religion-based kindergartens in rural areas, potentially undermining efforts to uplift rural communities through secular education. It is crucial for policymakers to prioritise policies that benefit all citizens, rather than fueling racial or religious divides.
FAQs
- What is the concern about religion-based kindergartens in rural areas?
The concern is that they may undermine efforts to uplift rural communities through secular education and promote Islamisation instead of a balanced, secular education system. - Who is Tawfik Ismail and what is his concern?
Tawfik Ismail is the son of former deputy prime minister Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman and is concerned that certain politicians may use religion-based kindergartens to mislead future generations of Malays into believing that their race is perpetually under threat. - What is the "green wave" and its implications?
The "green wave" refers to the surge in popularity of Perikatan Nasional, and especially PAS, following the 15th general election (GE15) and six state elections. This has implications for the country’s political landscape and the need for unity and tolerance. - What is the call to action?
Tawfik and Syed Farid Alatas call on Malaysians and politicians to actively counter division by fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting policies that benefit all citizens, rather than fuel racial or religious divides.