But Dr Tan Seng Giaw, who can write Jawi, says the learning of Jawi or khat (calligraphy) should not be forced on anyone.
Speaking to FMT, the former Kepong MP said he became interested in Jawi after watching a TV2 programme on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) in the 1970s.
In the programme, a teacher would demonstrate how to write Jawi. Tan said he used to follow these lessons diligently.
“If you don’t follow, how else would you learn? Back then, the lessons only involved writings on a blackboard,” said Tan, who has been writing in Jawi for over 40 years.
Till this day, Tan still uses Jawi, including on social media, to share his views on current issues daily.
“I write in Jawi every day. It’s easy now, more so with smartphones. Plus, Jawi is the common script in the region,” he said, referring to the use of Jawi since the days of the Melaka sultanate.
Tan says he does not agree with the government’s move to introduce khat in Year 4 Bahasa Melayu syllabus in vernacular schools next year, saying the learning of the Malay-Arabic calligraphy should be optional for students.
“There are more than 1,000 Chinese vernacular schools now and they encourage Chinese caligraphy. All students must have a brush, an ink dish and exercise books but it is not compulsory.
“I like Jawi but don’t force people. We can just encourage it because it is part of the heritage,” he said, adding students should be allowed to opt for it.
Tan also said the Chinese and Indians were suspicious of the government’s move to introduce khat and this was to be expected in a multiracial and multi-religious community.
“It becomes a problem when it is politicised. Our politicians only want votes, so when they speak they only want to defend their own race.”
The education ministry has stuck to its decision to introduce khat in schools, but Education Minister Maszlee Malik said yesterday it would only be an activity and not a subject by itself.
Chinese and Tamil interest groups had claimed it would not help vernacular school pupils improve their Malay.
Some DAP office bearers at the grassroots are also against the move.