by Allen Chee
I am your blog’s regular reader and an active follower of the Malaysian Politics.
Today I read your assertions on the various dysfunctional measures which the Government have undertaken that promotes racial polarisation and intolerance amongst the different races in Malaysia. I would like to point to Saudara Lim to a particular matter which I have taken a personal interest.
I believe Saudara Lim would know that the oldest school in Malaysia is Penang Free School. I am from this school and I am very proud to be associated with this school as an ex-student.
However the impression of Penang Free School being a premier school started to change over the past decade where efforts are covertly undertaken to islamize the school. The changes, have effectively change the landscape of education in the school with more islamic activities being conducted and so on and so forth.
I heard from anxious parents and ex-frees about all these and to be honest, I felt rather helpless on how to stop this from happening as technically speaking it is not legally wrong but perhaps only morally wrong.
The last straw for me, however was when I saw a two new signages being installed at the main entrance of Penang Free School, one on the left and one on the right. One is in English, and the other is Jawi. The one in Jawi is totally written in Jawi except for the name Syed AIdid Murtaza whom I think is the person donating this signage.
The question is..why?? Penang Free is not a islamic school. It is a premier secular school with proud traditions. Further, why Jawi?, aren’t we suppose to use Bahasa Malaysia??
The last time I check and maybe Saudara Lim could correct me if I am wrong, Bahasa Malaysia IS the national language. Jawi is just the language being used on the Al-Quran. Most of the people in Penang would not be able to read that signage.
I took up the matter as I felt it is the right thing to do. Now it has become a personal crusade of some sorts. I am not letting up on this, and I hope Saudara Lim can take the matter as well.
I have called upon the office of Deputy Minister of Education Dato’ Hon Choon Kim and spoken to his PA. He said he will inform the Minister. Then I manage to speak to Mr Rajen, the assistant for Miss Kumala Dewi (parliamentary Secratery for the Ministry of Education) and he said he will look into the matter.
I have tried calling the Chief Minister of Penang TanSri Koh, and managed to speak to Mark Ooi who is TanSri Koh’s PA. He said he will inform the CM.
I have tried calling Penang Free’s principal, but he is on holiday till 26th. I managed to speak to the senior assistants and they refused to comment. I have spoken to Old Frees Association of KL and Penang, and they sounded weak. I called the Pengarah of State Education Department, and he sounded irritated though he said he’ll check.
I’ve called YB Toh Kin Woon as he is the Exco for Education for Penang, and he said he’ll take up the matter as he said he felt strongly on this issue. I have tried calling Syed Aidid Murtaza whom I believe but without any proof donated the signage and left my number with the secretary, he did not call back.
The Malaynation/Islamisation of non-Malay scholls (they are still nayionals). This an isolated incident in Malaysia. Or is it?
Comments?
Penang Free School is not the only one, many other schools going thru’ similar process. e.g. King Edward VII in Taiping etc.
“The last time I check and maybe Saudara Lim could correct me if I am wrong, Bahasa Malaysia IS the national language. Jawi is just the language being used on the Al-Quran.”
Jawi is not a language but is the Arabic script for Bahasa when not written in Roman letters.
The same way when Japanese if not written using katakana (I think?) is written in Romanised form.
The Koran is written in Arabic using the Arabic script and has nothing with Bahasa when written using the Arabic script.
oops to do with Bahasa
Mr Lim,
To ask them to remove the Jawi signage is almost impossible. Don’t expect the likes of Koh Tsu Khoon or Ong Ka Ting or Samy Vellu to help.
Why not suggest this to them? Put up two more signages: One in Mandarin and the other in Tamil. This really reflects the true identity of Malaysia.
Jawi is old Malay using modified Arabic alphabet, nothing to do with Koran (written in Arab, using Arabic alphabet). This alphabet is called Jawi bcos it go to Jawa first, then come to Malaya.
There are also a few type of Arab language ,like different type of English, Iran use arabic alphabet (maybe modified?) to write their Persian language,
Turkey used arab alphabet before, but changed to roman alphabet as roman alphabet is more suitable. Similar reason for using roman alphabet for Malay languiage. Arab alphabet not very suitable for Malay, as it does not differentiate E with I, O with U, I with YA, etc, Can correct me if I am wrong.
Definitely Ethnic Cleansing. Cleansing need not be carried out like massacres. It can be done slowly, like ‘the boiling frog’. Temples, schools, cultures, traditions, are not immuned from this evil desire. Soon, our ICs and passports will also include jawi. Why not? Everytime an issue is raise with the ministers, they will always have to refer again to another higher level.
The twisted image of Penang Free School is not a first or an isolated case, no matter how much noise you make, many more schools will ensuing the same ill fate.
This is the natural result of Islamisation, people in power/authority just do whatever they want or deem fit. Majority of Muslims are competing each other to demontrate theirs faithfulness, holiness than thou towards Islam. Schools especially missionary and colonial-time premier schools are just perfect race tracks for their holy-chasing races.
So to make various call to A,B,C to lodge your concern is actually leading to nowhere especially at the time politicians are all too busy for forthcoming election. As many bloggers here have concluded 50 years is more than enough, it is time to vote BN out or at least to deny theirs political hegemony, a 2/3 majority.
Penang political situation is a bit tricky, if BN is out of power or MCA & Gerakan are pounded by a hard blow, it also denotes a more ferocious Islamisation process is well underway in the future.
Grace,
Unless you are willing to donate the Chinese & Tamil signboards, otherwise this will create chance for malpractice-corruption.
tsn,
I do agree with you. the more projects they pur up , the more cuts those officials will take. that is the reason why school seminars or conferences are held in big hotels. Every one is happy with their spoils.
Coming to donating signages in Chinese or Tamil. I really doubt that they are willing to put up . If the authority really permit Sinages in those two languages, the privillege would definitely not be mine. There are too many willing Chinese or Indian tycoons who would do that to claim the credit and the size of the it wold be much, much bigger
What is wrong with Jawi script? The sign is not Koranic verses or other religious writings? Arabic script does not equal Islam. I see no harm in using foreign languages in signages if it is paid for not by taxpayers. We do not object to English, Tamil or Chinese signeage, why Arabic?
This is a petty matter not worth pursuing. We should be focusing on the quality of education. If the school can produce excellent students, that is all that matters. Who cares if they plaster the whole school with Arabic writings?
What is wrong with Jawi alphabet? Nothing wrong, but the point is why put up a signage that most of the people in Penang (In fact in Msia) cannot read that signage?
Not sure, if that is why the Malay newspapers in Jawi alphabet had been discontiued.
Allen, you may contact Big Ear Dollah too but don’t be shocked if he tells you that the jawi signbord has been donated by osama laden
Allen,
Are you aware of the Old Frees Muslim Association? Previously I knew about Old Frees Association but now there seems to be an extension to it.
I think you get the answer.
“…if BN is out of power or MCA & Gerakan are pounded by a hard blow, it also denotes a more ferocious Islamisation process is well underway in the future.” tsn
An astute observation.
It is an aspect of polarization.
So how does it feel to have things, slowly corroded away in the country? The Indians suffer the biggest setbacks with their temples demolised, one temple at a time. Do you actually want to wait until your place of worship or your rights been completely demolished then only you start to notice how corroded our country is? I sure hope not.
Sad…sad….sad…Malaysia = UMNO’s playground….
well, allen chi…
if i were you, just forget about it!
nothin can be done. their answer to ur question, who dare to challenge the ketuanan.
honestly, you can call any clown menteris from MCA/MIC/GERAKAN… non of them will dare to voice out!
example, a friend of mine stayin at desa condo at OKR have this problem with the surau being place at groundfloor block. it was being request by some middle eastern people living there. everyday, the sound from the speaker was being play loudly and pointed at the wrong direction. majority of people living there are non-muslims. they make a formal complaint to condo management, bandaraya, politicians and police. when come to non-muslim wakils rakyat, they will tell you this same story, they can’t do anything when come to this religion. even the middle eastern peoples threaten the residents stayin there, they will shout loudly, that their god is great…
Allen, you are indeed proactive in the many calls to the various dept. concern BUT receive no positive answers !
Sadly, this is the sorry states that we are in. Take heart to know that we can do something if we can all stand up to be counted and vote wisely beside convincing close friends and relatives to do likewise.
In Islamisation, it is inevitable that things changes to suits their view point and way of life. Those interested, please visit :
http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch ( 15 OIC states abstain at UN Human Rights Council on ” All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination based on Religion or Belief “.) In total Islamisation, it will lead M’sia towards praticing the “dhimmi” culture !!!
Please visit http://www.wikipedia.org for more details.
In an earlier blog, someone mentioned that Indonesia is more tolerant as compared to M’sia ? If that is true, then please view :
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=55483
It mentioned of 108 Churches been closed because of Islamic pressure. Is that true ? You, be the judge.
We live in exciting time and the flow of Islamisation is not going to stop in any countries. Take comfort that religion belongs to one’s heart and mind. No one can take that out of you if your faith is strong. Count your blessings that M’sia still have pockets of righteous people that cares for others in need. Do not let this nation slide into oblivion if we do not vote to stop the excesses.
There are many bumi’s and true malay’s out there that despise the many corrupt practices of the current govt. Unite with them to perform check and balance and limit the abuses.
Who is mightier? Jesus or Allah?
http://search.theage.com.au/click.ac?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.theage.com.au%2Fnsw-mps-and-locals-oppose-islamic-school%2F20071220-1i78.html&t=4&n=4&s=islam+protest
Actually, the answer is most simple, yet most Christians or Muslims failed to see the truth. Over the century, wars have been fought and they still do!
Answer: ‘Who is mightier?’ is NOT A QUESTION!! It doesn’t matter and need not be answered. Its a oxymoron!! Its like a round square!!
What does matter is the PURITY of your HEART.
Have a great New Year!
to Madmix, there is nothing wrong in using Jawi. Arabic/Jawi has a long and proud history itself that I would not want to do any disservice to this language from raising this issue. Penang Free does have its proud traditions and legacy. If it is a policy by the government to redesign the culture of the schools, then let it be clearly known, and we can rightly protest via the mechanisms (though limited) available. However what I cannot tolerate is the covert initiatives that hide behind veils of layers bureaucratic inefficiencies or ineptness which is not transparent and consistent. In short, people should know the government’s stand, and people, democratically speaking, can then make their decision/informed choice on this government accordingly.
To add a little more, I am the author of this letter to Saudara Lim, and since taking greater interest in his matter, I realised that apathy is still our greatest enemy in social development. There are people that do not care about issues such as these (even ex-frees), and there are people (even within this blog) that thinks it is a complete waste of time to look into this matter. My thoughts may be flawed, or could even be very wrong. But I have my voice, and I intend to use it. This is my little contributions in social developments contructively.
The 2nd oldest school in Malaysia, Malacca High School (formerly Malacca Free School) also underwent the “islamalization” surgery, long time ago.
The school produced many of the nation’s political leaders and sports stars, from all walks of life. Now, only the memories of the Malays are left.
Walk into the school, you’ll feel its a malay school. Every morning, we’ll start our day with the national, state and school anthem, followed by muslim prayers.
Every school event, we’ll start with a very long muslim prayer too! What happened to other prayers? Aren’t we living in a multicultural society? Why must they impose the prayers to everyone?
When they came to take the union members I did not speak up because I was not a union member, when they came to take the christians I did not speak up because I was not a christian, when they came to take away the Jews I did not speak up because I was not a Jew, when they came to take me away there was no one left to speak for me.The above words may not be correctly quoted was spoken by a German during the era of Nazi Germany.
The kindergartens will be the next to be islamized under islam hadlari
Barack Hussein Obama, a closet muslim educated in an Indonesian madrassa, looks set to succeed Bush as US President in 2008. Then all American schools and universities would be adorned with jawi signages proclaiming that there is no god but you-know-who, and you-know-who is His prophet.
I feel Allen has the point. It is from this small matter that eventually turns to big matter. If one does not protest now, it is better that you do not when bigger ssue props up.
I am with you Allen!!
First they HIJACKed all the missionary schools. Then, they transform them into a National type school and malay-nise the faculty and students. Finally, they demand for all the Christian paraphernalia to be removed and claim that the best and oldest schools are bumi schools. Just like those Japanese army during WWII, and our ringgit naturally becomes Banana notes, could also end up being Hell Bank Notes
First of all, Jawi script is not the language being used in the Quran. Before our national language, Bahasa Malaysia adopted the Latin alphabets, it was written in Jawi. The Turks did the same thing.
I need to go and look at the signage myself. If it means Penang Free School, I wonder how they translate the word Free? Percuma? Bebas?
After years of racial polarization, I believe those people who put up such signs in Jawi thought that it would be a good show of ketuanan, why can’t I put up something of my heritage di bumi sendiri ??? It is very natural, due to racial polarization, the other side don’t even understand what it is all about and just want to “fight” back.
In my primary school, a Methodist school, the only martial arts club, white shirt was blamed for broken furniture. It was eventually asked to do it outside. Yes, black shirt martial art is definitely allowed, no doubt about that. For white shirt tournaments, students from my school represent another school… hehehe. You know what, white shirt still exist outside the school today, the black shirt changed badges multiple times and eventually… So, is there a need to put up a fight?
By the way, I studied Jawi until standard 4, it was compulsory in my school during those days. I have no problem with it and I see it as a blessing in disguise.
Richard Teo,
That’s trite!
It is quoted numerous times on this blog that it is overflowing through our ears. You should find something original to say.
By the way who named the school Penang Free School?? This is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. As a former Penang Free I can confirm that my education was never free!
@ Richard Teo,
First they came…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came…
okay Cheng, thanks for your clarification that Jawi is not the language used in Quran. I’ve always wrongly thought otherwise. But I guess you have missed the tree for the forest. I will write the same thing and have the same stand even if it was written in chinese. The issue here is that this is not what Penang Free School is all about, and I think it’s a wrong decision which is made without giving much any regard to the culture, tradition and legacy of the school and I am seeking the relevant personalities/authorities to explain or clarify their position. And as written, the signage issue is only the tip of the iceberg of the various issues affecting such similar schools.
@ allenc,
Understood your stance, believe me, I am with you. I have seen things below the tip of the iceberg.
We must voice out, you are right, otherwise these idiots will repeat the same thing like changing Jalan Koo Chong Kong to Jalan Tabing Haji. I am sure Kit remembers.
Again due to years of racial polarization, I personally know some people who still think that pig is a sacred animal. We need to seek to understand, then to be understood… hehe, sorry, I plagiarize this from Dr. Stephen Covey.
Why worry about signages? These are just outward signs. I am more worried about the culture subsisting in any school.
For instance, next year’s enrolment of more than 200 pupils in St George’s Girls School in Penang will have no more than 50 non-Malay students.
I am still wondering whether the national-type schools have been deserted. If so, why?
The more Malaysian politicians get involved in any thing, the worse it gets.
Our currency is now going south, with no sign of changing direction – despite the billions of ringgit we earn from our petrodollars. Why?
What happens when the petrol stops flowing and we become a net oil importer? We may be looking at bringing a basket of notes to buy a loaf of bread. Haha
Look guys at least there must be something that can be done to get people’s attention on this. Remember Victoria Institution in the 70s or 80s when they wanted to change its name to SM JLN Hang Tuah? The whole school rallied about it and at last the premier ‘cluster’ school got to keep its historical name till now.
Look around, ask some questions and you will find that Penang Free School’s PMR, SPM and STPM results are nothing compared to many other secondary schools in Penang. In time to come, it will even lose out to some unknown rural school. So why the big fuss about a dying school?
As it has been said and mentioned, these will stop when there is only ONE. When everyone has left there will be only one.
Look at our neighbour country; earlier there are more chance of life in the country before the unfortunate incident. Due to corruption pressing the hardcore poor to the limit; they reacted by cleaning out the race which claimed to be richer. Now the affected race is out from the country; the economy is totally gone, what is left is of their own ONE kind. Now they have to come here to work as maids, hardcore labour, XXXXX(you know what)… is this a better tomorrow for them? Will this be the same fate here? Wake up!
Why relate Jawi with Islam? Jawi is but a form of writing. Had the British not conquered and ruled Malaysia (then Malaya) for that few centuries, we would still be writing our Bahasa Malaysia in Jawi. What we learn today as Bahasa Malaysia is in fact a romanized form of original Bahasa Melayu, a mutation to be exact!!!!
It’s not just a dying school. It is a dying nation we’re looking at.
i finished my studies in pfs dis year….first they changed the badge….den its s.m penang free….den the classes are re-named from..zamrud,delima… to amanah,budiman..and stuff…now durin the last day of my exam paper….there’s some arabic word……
banyak hebat…my friends and i were shocked..
supersuji, can you send me a more elaborate elaborate changes that happen to PFS to [email protected]. Thanks
May the force be with us.
typo…repeat: supersuji, can you send me a more elaborate explanations on the changes that happen to PFS to [email protected]. Thanks
May the force be with us.
I am currently studying in Penang Free School. Sad to say, but Mr.Allen, to list out all the drastic changes the school administration/government made throughout these years is almost impossible. In fact, I cannot even keep track of the number of changes made since I enrolled in the school.
To give you a plain and simple picture of it’s current condition, 21 teachers were transferred into another school in the year 2007 alone. Most of them applied to do so.
To compensate the damage, 28 new teachers came in. 18 are Malays.
Mr. Lim
Come to Ipoh Timur more often. Don’t even see you. Check schools in Pinji. No Principal and teacher.
A school is not just a place to study and obtain good results from examinations.I am an old Free and I am very proud to be one.Not because I earned good grades there(eventhough I DID do well) but I am proud because I was once part of the school rich with tradition and was famous world wide.It may not be a big deal to others who looked upon the jawi signage at the school entrance but it is to me.It felt like the reputation and rich traditions of the school had been tainted.I was shocked and really sad to see what the school had become.If they really wanted to write something about free school in an old language, they should do it in latin as ‘fortis atque fidelis’ is written in.That will help preserve the traditions of the school.I really feel that a suitable candidate for the principal of penang free school an old free or some one that really knows penang free school well.How many principals of PFS know the words ‘Once a free,always a free.There is always an Old Free,never an Ex-Free’?How many principals of PFS can speak perfect English during assemblies?Only one which I know of.Encik Haji Ismail bin Ibramsa.I learned to be proud to be a Free when he was in charge.Never have I heard those words again after he retired.Maybe they do not know it, but those words also applies to teachers too.So teachers should be proud too and dedicate themselves to bring take Penang Free School to where it used to be.Above others.
To all readers;
I am old free. I think mr.allen chee is afraid of his own shadows & is making a fuss out of nothing. let me explain.
1. Jawi is a system of alphabets for writing used in Malay language before the language was romanised near Independence. If you stroll aroud penang town (beach street & its vicinity, you can see a lot of Chinese shops’ names spelled in Jawi! Is this degrading for you? True enough the alphabets in Jawi was derived from Arabic (so as Urdu alphabets)…but what is troubling you? Putting a signage written in Jawi in front of PFS does not mean others cannot practice their own religion, nor it does not degrade the the school!
2. Many of us don’t bother sending children to school of Saints & Convents … where there would be a big Christian cross in front of the school & in every classrooms ( though there would a lot of non-Christians in the school) Does this reflect the true neutrality? But why make fuss out of these matters? The important thing is education is delivered in proper!
Why are you so worried about a Jawi signage being put up in front of PFS. You are never forced to embrace Islam! You are free to practice your religion.
Be open minded…racism is not a good culture! Try to look things on a broad perspective.
To maulator,
I am an old free and to tell you the truth, the education given was just barely enough to help us through our exams. We made most of our own studies. Some lecturers has no professional experience and even attitude. With all due honesty, students were very disappointed with the teachers provided.
With all the changes in the school, even the teachers are leaving the school. Most of them are great teachers to begin with.
However, we’re not focusing on the racism any racism issue but rather the traditions and the redundancy actions made within the school compound.
The thing is, where has the pride of being a free schooler gone to? Its a shame that many of our traditions were being tempered with as well.
1. The metal made badge into the cloth made.
2. The pride of being prefects were lost.
3. Mirrors were being placed all around the school for God knows why.
4. Placing a roller or something at the corner of the field and called it an antique was pure redundant which later became a sitting place for the student to wait for their cars after school, the roller thing looked better at its own original place and now its totally destroyed. How much did it cost and to build?
5. While talking about the money, one of the principal even put our school in debt. And then he left? In the end we had to collect funds from around the network (students and parents included) just to cover up the debts incurred.
6. Percentage of non-Islams decreasing
7. The standard for student’s entry is getting easier. Students with very bad UPSR results entering the school? Then what’s the point for trying hard.
8. The sign, why only English and Jawi? Where’s BM, Mandarin and Tamil?
9. Being open-minded and not racist? Free to practice your religion? Some schools are not even allowed to have Christian Fellowship Societies. For example, in St. George Girl School and Convent Green Lane for what reason? Where’s the freedom in religion?
Therefore, management proven bad and it MATTERS~!!!
PFS isn’t the only school facing that. In Perak, there’s a school known as the Sultan Yussuf School (S.Y.S)`also having that similar prob, but its far worst then PFS. It was a former English school and is more than a 100 yrs old. The current Sultan of Perak and the owner of Sunway holdings, Tan Sri Jefrey Cheah are among the old boys of that school. Nw, that school i known as SMK Sultan Yussuf and it doesn’t hv any of th english culture it used to hv before.
Percentage of Chinese students in SYS is also decreasing rapidly. Signs in BM are nw used to replace those in English. The metal badge which was once used is also no more. I don’y actually know if the situation in SYS can be rectified or not?!
I chance upon this website while surfing around.
Being an old free as well, not really old lar … although i “graduate” there and knew many friends there (5 years), not many of us really knew what is happening to the school. Not surprising the OFA is weak.
While we were in school, we were taught that we should be proud of our school tie and everytime when we see some VIP or multi millionaires wearing the PFS tie, we will go “Hey, is that an Old Free!!??” and someone would say “yes” …. if PFS produce so many professionas and famous people, where are they now when the authorities are tearing down the foundation of the school ?
Everyone, including me, were to blamed for being so reactive. We dont really care what is going on until its too late.
If it takes one person and his wallet to change the history, how much do we people who really care need to donate to change it back ??
it is not too late, post it somewhere, pictures or something !!! put it under the PFS caption …. who knows, the Old/Ex-PFS cavalry might fight back ….
“Fortis Atque Fidelis” … that is all i want to learn, not to write it in Jawi !!! damn it
Below are the headmasters who have served the school:
1816-1821: Mr. J. Cox
1821-1822: Mr. Churcher
1822-1826: Mr. Porter
1826-1828: Mr. Anchant
1828-1843: Mr. J. C. Smith
1843-1846: Mr. Bruton
1846-1853: Mr. Fitzgerald
1853-1871: Mr. J. Clark
1871-1891: Mr. G. Griffin
1891-1904: Mr. W. Hargreaves
1904-1925: Mr. R. H. Pinhorn
1925-1926: Mr. W. Hamilton
1927-1928: Mr. D. R. Swaine
1928-1929: Mr. L. W. Arnold
1929-1931: Mr. D. W. McLeod
1931-1933: Mr. M. R. Holgate
1934-1946: Mr. L. W. Arnold
1947-1949: Mr. D. Roper
1949-1950: Mr. M. F. Crocopile
1950-1951: Mr. P. F. Howitt
1951-1957: Mr. J. E. Todt
1957-1963: Mr. J. M. B. Hughes
1963-1969: Mr. Tan Boon Lin
1969-1971: Mr. Poon Poh Kong
1972-1974: Mr. K. G. Yogam
1974-1979: Dr. Goon Fatt Chee
1979-1983: Mr. R. Visvanathan, P.J.K.
1983-1988: Mr. G. Krishna Iyer
1988-1993: Mr. Goh Hooi Beng
1993-2000: Mr. Hj. Ismail bin Ibramsa
Jan 2000-Dec 2000: Mr. Abdul Rahman
2001-2006: Mr. Arabi Sulaiman, P.K.T.
2006-2006: Mr. Mohd Yusof bin Omar
2006-Present: Mr. Hj. Ramli bin Din
See where the problem started? There were no muslim principals until 1993.
5 consecutive muslim principals and there you go with ‘jawi’.