CALL TO SET UP MALAYSIAN JUNIOR ISLAMIC SCIENCE COLLEGE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- The Penang Umno has proposed that the government set up an institution called the Malaysian Junior Islamic Science College to create all-rounder professionals among the Malays.

UMNO is a right-wing party and Malaysia's largest political party; a
founding member of the National Front (Barisan Nasional -BN) coalition, which
has been Malaysia's ruling political party since independence.

Its representative Shabudin Yahaya said the college's students should be
given a comprehensive Islamic education.

"We want, for instance, leaders of the public service and government-linked
companies as well as the country's leaders to be able to memorise the Koran.

"They can become idols who can be trusted to lead any organisation," he said
when debating the motion on education and religion at the Umno General Assembly
at Putra World Trade Centre here.

He also proposed the setting up of a special court to handle trade disputes
involving Muslims, including in aspects pertaining to debts and breach of
contract.

He said the teaching of J-Qaf and religious and Fardu Ain classes should be
merged to make it easier for students to attend these classes.

The motion was tabled by Perak Umno representative Mohd Nizar Zakaria.

The debate was adjourned at 11.15pm and will resume tomorrow morning.

-- BERNAMA