Friday, December 16, 2011

Interlok withdrawn from school syllabus - The Star


The government has decided to withdraw the controversial Interlock novel from the secondary school syllabus.

MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel said the cabinet made the decision last week.

This decision shows the BN government is listening to the grievances by the Indian Community. The decision is also in line with the 1Malaysia concept introduced by YAB Dato Seri Najib Razak.


According to a report by Malaysiakini, Datuk G. Palanivel said Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will make an official announcement soon.

"The decision was made after taking many factors into consideration. The Indian community is grateful for the decision," said Palanivel.

The novel has been a bone of contention among the members of the Indian community as the community claims that it contains offensive words and encourages stereotypes.

Interlok remained as the textbook for the literature component of the Bahasa Malaysia subject for Form Five this year but with amendments to several aspects deemed sensitive by the Indian community.

When the book was recommended for From 5 students last year, it sparks a series or protest by the Indian Communities.

Interlok, published in 1971, was written by national laureate Abdullah Hussain. It is about the daily struggles of the Malays, Chinese and Indians in pre-independence Malaya. Many Indian groups have said they found it offensive because it contains derogatory references to the community.

A Vaithiyalingam, a former Hindhu Sangam president, said the Indian community was disappointed with the Education Ministry for allowing the book to be used.

He noted that it refers to Indians as “black people” and “pariah” and claimed that some passages give the impression that Indians are dirty and make irresponsible husbands.


MIC Youth has also called for the book’s withdrawal. Its leader, Sdra T Mohan, said in a press statement that its inclusion in the literature list could be part of a hidden agenda to rewrite Malaysian history.

Mohan also said the book could undo the 1Malaysia campaign.

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