Non-Muslim teacher aims to shift negative perceptions of Jawi

17 Oct 2024

PETALING JAYA: A non-Muslim teacher from Sabah has garnered significant attention on social media for her efforts in teaching Jawi, the traditional script used for writing the Malay language.

Her impeccable handwriting has won praise from netizens, with many reminiscing about the 1970s, a time when Jawi was more commonly taught and used by Malaysians of all ethnicities.

For 34-year-old Lorenica Frenila Masundim, a teacher of Rungus ethnicity, teaching Jawi is simply part of her responsibility as a Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) instructor at SK Bawang K9 in Beluran, Sabah.

However, her commitment to preserving the script has sparked broader conversations about its role in contemporary education.

Jawi, which has been a part of the Bahasa Melayu syllabus for students in Years 4 to 6 since 2020, was not unfamiliar to Lorenica.

She had already learned the script during her teacher training in 2009, long before its reintroduction into the school curriculum.

Despite the controversy surrounding Jawi’s return to the syllabus, Lorenica hopes to challenge misconceptions about the script—particularly the notion that it is exclusively for Muslims.

"Teaching and learning Jawi has nothing to do with Islamisation or diminishing the sanctity of Islam. Jawi isn't a religious script—it belongs to everyone," Lorenica explained.

"We should approach it from a positive perspective. By incorporating Jawi into the education system, we are preserving the art, culture, and history of this special script, which was created by our ancestors."

Her balanced approach to teaching Jawi extends beyond the classroom.

Frequently, Lorenica shares photos and videos of her students' Jawi lessons on Facebook, showcasing their progress and enthusiasm for learning the script.

One of her recent posts unexpectedly went viral, catching the attention of many, including former education minister Maszlee Malik, who was instrumental in the decision to reintroduce Jawi into the curriculum in 2020.

In a viral Facebook video, Lorenica demonstrated her impressive writing abilities by neatly inscribing the Malay proverb "Bagai Aur Dengan Tebing" in Jawi script.

Though Lorenica has received an outpouring of praise for her dedication, her online presence has also attracted criticism from some quarters. However, she remains unfazed by negative comments, staying focused on her mission to foster greater cultural understanding.

"There are many who said they miss learning Jawi and hope its teaching can be expanded even further. If we want a more peaceful future for our country, we must create space to appreciate and accept each other’s cultures," Lorenica emphasized.

Jawi, once a unifying script used by Malaysians of different backgrounds, has evolved into a sensitive topic in recent years.

While some view its inclusion in the school syllabus as a positive step toward preserving Malaysia's linguistic and cultural heritage, others fear it may carry religious connotations.

Lorenica’s approach offers a refreshing perspective, one that highlights the script's historical and cultural significance rather than its religious associations.

Through her dedication, Lorenica hopes to bridge divides and reshape how Malaysians perceive Jawi, ensuring that future generations appreciate its value not just as a piece of the Malay language but as part of the nation's shared history.