Malaysian politician wants Bible back in Sarawak schools

The request made to the local government by John Ilus during a parliamentary debate. Sarawak is a state in Borneo where Christians are in the majority and where missionaries have historically played an important role in the growth of the education system. ‘Knowledge of Scripture is a unifying force and an essential component in educating young people in pluralism’.

Kuching (AsiaNews) - During the budget session of the Legislative Assembly of the Malaysian State of Sarawak, Borneo, an MP called for the reintroduction of Bible classes in all local schools.

John Ilus, representative for the Bukit Semuja area, suggested that the State revive Bible lessons, which he described as a fundamental aspect of Sarawak's educational history, rooted in tolerance and respect.

John Ilus also emphasised the significant role played by Catholic, Anglican and Methodist missionaries: ‘They laid the foundations of Sarawak's education system during the Brooke era, in pre-colonial times,’ he recalled.

‘The early Christian missions introduced educational programmes and Bible studies became an essential part of the curriculum, open to students of different backgrounds. This inclusive approach fostered a tradition of tolerance and respect that has become a hallmark of Sarawak's social fabric,' he pointed out.

Bible studies have since been removed from the curriculum, a fact that according to John Ilus represented a serious loss for the moral and spiritual development of young Sarawakians.

Hence the request to the Ministry of Education to consider reinstating them as a structured and optional subject within primary education, allowing students to learn about the Christian faith as they do about other religions.

‘This revival would help build understanding and respect, enriching the character development of young Sarawakians,’ he added.

About two-thirds of Malaysia's Christians live in the states of Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) and in Sarawak in particular - which is the largest of the states that make up the country - Christians make up the majority (50.1%) of the population, with Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism as the other religions present.

Unlike other states in Malaysia where Islam is the official religion, Sarawak does not officially have a state religion.

British Anglicans were among the first Christian missionaries to set foot in Sarawak in 1848. About two decades later, Catholic missionaries from Mill Hill also arrived, who also established a missionary base from which they could effectively reach the mostly animist urban and rural tribal populations.

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