11/22/2024 Malaysia (International Christian Concern) — John Ilus, the Bukit Semuja member of Parliament for the Legislative Assembly of the Malaysian State of Sarawak, Borneo, recently advocated for the Bible to be reintroduced into local primary schools.

Ilus stressed on Nov. 14 that Christian missionaries had played a critical role in the Sarawak society and its educational system and that the Bible studies these Christians implemented strengthened the moral and spiritual development of generations of Sarawakians.

British Anglican missionaries first arrived at Sarawak in 1848. Ilus said that young Sarawakians should be able to have Bible studies and learn about the Christian faith just as they can learn about other religions through the current curriculum.
Ilus made this formal request to the Ministry of Education during the recent Legislative Assembly meeting. Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the state Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, acknowledged Ilus’ formal request and said his ministry would consider it.

Census figures indicate that about two-thirds of Malaysia’s more than 3 million Christians live in Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah states). More than 50% of the population of Sarawak itself, the largest state in Malaysia, are Christians, again showing the strong and rich Christian heritage and presence in east Malaysia.

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