Does khat writing have religious implications in the curriculum?

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Khat Writing in the Curriculum Does Not Carry Religious Implications

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has stated that the introduction of khat writing into the Year 4 Bahasa Melayu curriculum for Tamil and Chinese primary schools from 2020 does not have specific religious implications. The union conveyed to the Ministry of Education's Curriculum Development Division (BPK) that the focus is on the aesthetic value of khat writing, rather than any religious or tested performance aspects.
Emphasis on Aesthetic Value and Knowledge Expansion

The primary objective of teaching khat writing within the Bahasa Melayu curriculum is to enhance students' appreciation for its beauty and artistic qualities. The NUTP views this as an opportunity to broaden students' understanding of various calligraphy forms globally, including Western, Eastern, and Arabic styles. This approach aligns with the curriculum's aim to develop students' skills in producing beautiful handwriting across different forms, integrating aesthetic elements into their writing practices.
Functional Equivalence to Other Writing Styles

The NUTP considers the function of learning khat art within the Bahasa Melayu syllabus to be comparable to learning cursive or longhand writing. The intention is to cultivate students' ability to write beautifully and creatively, making the teaching and learning process more engaging. This perspective was communicated to the BPK during engagement sessions held in 2018 and the current year, clarifying the pedagogical intent behind its inclusion.
Exclusion from Performance Assessments

Crucially, the NUTP has been assured by the BPK that khat writing will not be part of any formal assessments, such as the Language Arts Performance Assessment or the Bahasa Melayu Skills Assessment. This distinction reinforces the understanding that the inclusion of khat is purely for enrichment and skill development in calligraphy, independent of its evaluation as a core academic competency. The BPK has acknowledged the NUTP's view that the writing itself is devoid of specific religious ties.

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Does khat writing have religious implications in the curriculum?

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