The discussion on English-medium schools (EMS) is back by popular demand among Johoreans, according to a Yusof Ishak Institute of Singapore (ISEAS) survey. Johor wants what Singapore has: graduates who are more competent in English, and more internationally employable. Indeed, EMS appears to be associated with quality education, and Singapore has benefited tremendously by sticking to that policy. The Sultan of Johor and the Raja Permaisuri are ardent supporters and advocates

Doctrinal and cultural diversity existed in Muslim societies even in the days of Prophet Muhammad. OVER the last two weeks, several religious, political and administrative issues have surged up against the Constitution and merit legal scrutiny. Jakim: Questions have been raised about the constitutionality of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim). It is suggested by some that the agency be dissolved because matters of Islam are solely under the control of indivi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 — Three-quarters of Johor folks polled by Singapore-based research centre ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute revealed they agree with the Johor royal house intervening in politics should the need arise. In the survey results released this week, the highest support for this notion came from the Malays in the southern state, at 84.9 per cent, followed by the ethnic Chinese at 65.1 per cent, and Indians (53.2 per cent). “The strong Malay support for the Johor Sulta

Ex-Education DG shares her ideas on Rukun Negara and ways to improve English among students. WHEN Tan Sri Dr Asiah Abu Samah joined G25 in May 2015, she had over five and a half decades of experience in education. That’s why she was courted by the “invitation only” group of Muslims working towards “a more moderate, liberal and united Malaysia that upholds good governance, religious tolerance and high regard for human rights”. At that time, G25 did not have a member with a bac

PETALING JAYA: The perception that the Federal Constitution is being hijacked by religious laws will have serious consequences for the country, a group comprising former senior civil servants has warned. G25’s founding member Sheriff Kassim explained that such a perception could cause worry among the elites about where the country’s future was headed, and could even result in an exodus of many of the country’s best talents. Sheriff, who is a former finance ministry secretary-

THE habit of sending students to learn about Islam in the Middle East should be stopped as they end up with their beliefs “corrupted” due to the political culture there, said a Muslim scholar. “We need to differentiate between culture and Islam. This doesn’t mean cultures, including Arab culture, are bad... (but) what is happening these days is highly political,” said Professor Dr Jasser Auda, chairman of London-based think tank Maqasid Institute. “They come back and cause is