As the topic suggests, there are two subjects that we’re going to discuss about. The first is the controversial novel, Interlok which was made as a compulsory textbook for BM SPM students, despite the usage of certain words that has put the Indian community into boiling soup. I have a few questions in my mind that no one has able to answer until now. First question, why is the government still defending its decision to continue the book’s usage as textbook even after it has created dissatisfaction among its people? Second question, is it very hard for the government to just switch to another book since this one created so many controversies?
Let’s take a look at some reviews on this topic from the link below. There is one particular comment that I would like you all to read. Take a look comment number 15 from above.
“Let the kids be ‘educated’ that this is a very, very unsavory word especially when applied to others who are demonized and ostracized just because they are different…..”
So that was how they tried to defend the book’s usage. If I may use a simile here, I would say that that statement would be something similar to giving guns and bullets to the people, and telling them not to FIRE. What a silly way to defend Interlok. I think that students do not even know the existence of that “P” word until some “smart” people introduced the novel. For those who have no idea what’s the big deal about it, Yes, it is a sensitive word for Indians. If they think they can educate students that way, then why not teach the “F” word, and then “educate” them on why they should not use it? Sounds very “smart” right?
Now when u read the same comment (comment no.15 from top), the author also says that we need to monitor the teachers who teach that subject. That is another “smart” thing to do, isn’t it? Which teacher? Come on, we’ve seen many, and I mean MANY, teachers throwing out racist remarks, and still can get away by just saying “I didn’t mean that. What I was trying to say is…..bla..bla…bla, and people have misunderstood”. What happens next? They get transferred to a better school, and CASE CLOSED.
http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/2010/08/17/umno-racist-teacher-will-again-to-let-off-the-hook/
Visit the links above to refresh yourselves with “History”.
Again, what does not make sense to me is why should government still go ahead with the book, and then, so-called “monitor” what comes out of the teacher’s mouth? If I had the authority, I think I will just remove the book’s usage, replace it with another less sensitive book, and save the effort in monitoring the teachers. In that way, students are happy, teachers have nothing to worry, and no one gets offended. Doesn’t that sound more effective?
“Don’t make an issue out of it? It’s in history and culture! However, when used in a literary work, it can and must be exposed as it is”. (Refer comment no.9 from the first link)
Ok fine. It’s in “History” and it is a fact. But, is there any need to bring that up when this society is slowly moving towards a caste-free society? Isn’t there anything better in History that they can bring up? Like I said earlier, that “P” word, how many people knows the existence of it, especially non-Indians? Now that it has been included in their textbook, everybody knows. Good job!!! The “smart” people have done it again. Now, go ahead and talk about unity that you’ve just broken.
Now, let’s talk about Malaysian Indians. They’re all angry. Erupting like a volcano. Roaring like a lion. But what I do not understand is, why are they angry? Is it because the caste-topic was brought up by the book, or are they angry just because they don’t like to be called a “P****h” as they are from a different caste. Now, that puzzles me. This is a sensitive topic, so let’s put aside the differences among us, and look at it as a general issue. Personally, I believe that the caste-system is no longer applicable in this modern world, and I don’t like it when the topic is brought up among our younger generations. I believe that it should be forgotten as it doesn’t serve its purpose anymore. To those who are fighting for the right reason, I salute you!!
Finally, a suggestion to the authorities. If your intention is really to foster unity among the future generations, then create a novel with an Indian, Chinese, and Malay as the lead character. Portray the new Malaysia that we all want to see in future through that novel. For once, consider the sensitivity of people from other races. If it doesn’t hurt you that do not mean it won’t hurt others.
Regarding my second question, which was "Is it hard for the government to just swithch to another book?", I have got the answer to it. The reason is, DBP has printer many copies of the book to be distributed to all schools.
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