Disclose BTN course syllabus: Perak MB

IPOH: It is time for the government to make public the contents of the Biro Tatanegara syllabus to dispel suspicions by certain quarters about its objective.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir who himself had attended BTN or National Civics Bureau courses, said these courses were about educating public servants, students and other participating groups on their roles and responsibilities towards the country.

He said the Federal Government should not be too worried about making public the BTN curriculum to allay suspicions that its aim was an attempt to “indoctrinate” public sector servants and students to serve the interests of the political groups in power.

“This will prove that there is nothing malicious about the programme itself,” Zambry told the New Straits Times after Aidiladha prayers at the Sultan Azlan Shah mosque here yesterday.

He was responding to the move on Wednesday by the Selangor government to bar employees and students of state-owned companies and higher learning institutions from attending the BTN courses which it said was nothing but “brainwashing sessions”.

“Without reservation or doubt, I can tell you that these courses had helped me to identify and realise my goals, objectives, mission and responsibilities towards the nation.

“I can vouch that these camps help in instilling the spirit of sacrifice, commitment and patriotism for the country,” he said.

Following Selangor’s abrupt move, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said BTN courses were not to instil hatred towards anyone or persuade participants to join any political party.

Muhyiddin, who is also deputy Barisan Nasional chairman and deputy Umno president, had stressed that the courses were held to instil the spirit of unity and love for the country.

Zambry said many members of Pakatan Rakyat had attended such courses in the past where they had learned about the importance of loving the country, respecting the system of administration as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the cornerstone of racial interaction and integ ration.

“Today, they (the opposition members) are questioning the same curriculum.” Zambry, however, did not deny that that there were lecturers or speakers who were “over enthusiastic” in pushing for the idea of “serving the interests of the BN”.

He said the fact that the public was prepared to discuss, comment or criticise BTN camps showed that the public wanted it to be improved and that the government could be open-minded about the syllabus to make it more effective and wholesome.

Muhyiddin meets Dr Chua, Liow

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai met with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday, and expressed agreement for fresh party elections to be held.

Announcing the matter at a news conference at Wisma MCA here today, Dr Chua said the six-eyed meeting did not set any date for the elections.

Dr Chua said he proposed that the elections be held in March next year but Liow felt that the elections could be held next month or in January.

He said many delegates and leaders would be on leave next month and everyone would be preoccupied with the Chinese New Year in January and February.

"I understand that the party president (Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat) agrees that the elections be held after six to eight months. Maybe, he feels that the new election system (direct elections) would be suitable," he said.

Dr Chua said he hoped that all parties would compromise during discussions on setting the election date to maintain party stability and restore the members'' confidence in the leadership.

Asked for Muhyiddin's reaction over the meeting, Dr Chua said: "He hopes that all parties would engage in discussions with wisdom for the sake of the party and the Barisan Nasional (BN)."

Dr Chua also said that he hoped Liow would call off the extraordinary general meeting his side had set for Saturday as the EGM was contrary to the party constitution.

On direct elections, he said the discussions were on whether every MCA member should be involved or the number of central delegates eligible to vote should be increased.

Dr Chua, who heads the panel looking into the new election system, said the new format was expected to come into use only in 2011 as time was needed to make the switch.
-- BERNAMA