BAJU KURUNG WILL NOT CHANGE A NON MUSLIM WAY OF LIFE

I refer to the letter by Samuel Yesuiah,"Make them truly National," (nst OCT. 5 )

Many NST readers have been writing in, far too often with regards to the negative perception,that National Schools,are Malay and religious schools,because most of the students and teachers are Malays, and the language medium is Bahasa Melayu. So non Muslim parents shy away from sending their children to these schools, not because of all these weakness, but for fear of loosing out in respect of their own language and culture.
I am appalled by the writer's comment that some National schools encouraged their non-Muslim pupils to wear the "baju kurung",and to tie their hair, thus making parents look upon these practices as a subtle means of influencing , non-Muslim children to embrace the Islamic way of life. This uncalled for remark, and without any proof, is a blatant disregard for the sensitivities of the Muslims.
I have yet to hear official complaints or protests from non-Muslim parents over this issue. I am sure the schools only encouraged Muslim pupils to wear the "baju kurung" and "tudung" and to tie their hair neatly ,because there are still many Muslim students who do not use the "baju kurung and Tudung", which is their religious obligation to cover up their "aurat"
However non-Muslim pupils may use the baju kurung on their own free will, or with their parents consent .Many Chinese and Indian students wear this attire for comfort. I suggest the writer interview these students and find out whether they are forced to use the "baju kurung",before making such assumption.
Please remember that there is no compulsion in Islam. This is clearly written in the Al Quaran, I quote
"I worship not that which you worship
nor will you worship,that which I worship
and I shall not worship that which you are worshiping
nor will you worship that which I worship
To you be your religion, and to me my religion."

So it is ridiculous to assume that students will change their way of life, just by using the "baju kurung" and tying their hair neatly..
Many Malay women, including my wife, her five sisters, my six sisters, their daughters, my daughters were all educated in convent schools. The can even recite the Christian prayers, but none of them became a Christian. I believe that for as long as we want to be Chinese,Indians and Malays, the concept of 1 Malaysia will remain a political dream.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA