KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 30, 2009) :

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby today, Nazri said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan has been instructed to revamp the curriculum. ( It is not known at which cabinet meeting this decision was taken.)

"We agree to revamp BTN because the curriculum is against (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept," said Nazri.

This matter came into focus last Wednesday when the Selangor government decided to boycott the programme. It will hold a public forum soon to help the people understand why the decision was made.

The state barred its civil servants, students in state-run higher learning institutions and employees of state government-linked companies from attending courses organised by the BTN with immediate effect.

What's the BTN? According to the National Civics Bureau website, the BTN programme is designed to: > build the physical and mental resilience of the civil servants to boost their patriotism. > manage discipline and form the character of the civil servants to promote good attitude, values and excellent work ethics. > fulfill part of Competency Level 1 under the Competency Level Appraisal for related service schemes. The course modules include the history of the country’s development; obedience to King, government and country; management of integrity, accountability, moral and ethics; self and group realization; and health and physical education. The modules are taught using lectures, group work and moral lessons. There are also physical exercise sessions and the participants are required to take part actively in outdoor activities. Loyalty and health and physical education make up 30% of the course. The rest is on lessons on integrity, nationalism and on self and group.

Executive councillor in charge of education and higher education Dr Halimah Ali had said the decision was based on reports submitted by course attendees, who said what happened in the course was an indoctrination process by the BN government and that it created a "racist phenomenon" which sought to divide the multi-racial and multi-religious community.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin however said there was no reason for the Government to stop the BTN courses just because one or two states decide to stop them.

"After all, the programme has been found to instill patriotism and nationalism in Malaysians."

He added that the Government has no problem in making public the contents of the programme.

"We have nothing to hide...even Lim Kit Siang can join the programme if he wants," Muhyiddin said.

Asked about Muhyiddin's stand, which he had merely reiterated, Nazri said Muhyiddin’s statement had been misunderstood.

"What he meant is that BTN as a department is good but we have to change the curriculum because (of) 1Malaysia. The curriculum cannot be focusing on one racial group," said Nazri, adding he had also attended the course.

"You have the BTN courses for students mostly from one racial group but now, it’s going to be an inclusive curriculum (for all Malaysians)."

He said it was vital for the courses to be inclusive to all races as the government stresses on racial integration.

Gerakan Youth secretary-general Dr Dominic Lau today proposed turning it into Biro 1Malaysia to make it more in tune with Najib's 1Malaysia spirit.

He said, based on feedback from ex-participants, apparently some officers in BTN had abused their position and power to fan racial sentiment.

"BTN’s objectives are good and even noble, that is to create a national identity and enhance unity. But the problem arises when some overzealous facilitators deviate from the objectives," said Lau in a statement.

Link to Other Stories:

Selangor to hold forum on BTN course for public feedback