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Prayer@Noon We welcome testimonies and input from you. The prayers by your children. Please email us at 12prayer@gmail.com
Let us all join hands and lift up the public schools in our country in prayer. There's a big need for that.
THE ISSUE:
Malaysia’s public school system was established by the British during colonial rule. This system can be divided into 2 stages: 1.Primary School (Sekolah Rendah): This can be further divided to: ‘National Schools’ (Sekolah Kebangsaan): Government-funded with Malay as the medium of instruction. English is a compulsory language subject. ‘National-Type Schools’ (‘Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan): Mainly government-assisted, some government-operated, with either Mandarin or Tamil as the medium of instruction. Malay and English are compulsory language subjects. 2.Secondary School (Sekolah Menengah): Government-funded with Malay as the medium of instruction. In 2006, it was estimated that there were 3.1 million students enrolled in public primary schools and 2.3 million in public secondary schools. Despite the growing popularity of private schools and home schools, it can be said that the majority of school-going children in Malaysia go through the government school system as the latter is more affordable for most families. In other words, the government school system plays a major role in shaping the mind-sets of Malaysia’s younger generation. Over the years however, the government school system has been criticised for a number of weaknesses and disturbing trends: 1.An Overemphasis On Academic Results Scoring a string of A’s in exams has become a major goal for many students and parents as well. Sijil Peperiksaan Menegah exams top scorers such as Azali Azlan (the nation’s SPM top scorer thus far with 21 A1’s) have become the toast of the nation for their academic achievements and given much media attention. Yet the attempted suicide of M.Valsala Menon and the suicides of Matthews Vinesh, Siti Nurulain Hafizah Che Rauf and S.Subashini over exam results underscore the pressure to succeed among countless students. Critics also highlight the lack of emphasis on other important skills such as leadership, communication, social interaction, artistic creativity and personal integrity. 2.Teaching & Study Methods It has been commented that teaching methods often require students to remember formulas and facts and later reproduce the information to answer questions. Critical thinking, questioning and understanding are often not emphasised as that which comes from the textbooks and teachers is assumed to be ‘fully correct’. Not surprisingly, many students resort to mere memorising that which is needed for exams. 3.The Decline in English The issue of language has been (and continues to be) politicised. English has often been derided as ‘the language of the colonial powers’ by certain quarters and any emphasis on its importance is considered ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘adopting a colonial mind-set’. Not surprisingly, the standard of English has declined drastically. Many Malaysians sent abroad on government scholarships to study in places such as the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand find themselves struggling with courses conducted in English. Local graduates often find themselves handicapped in the job market due to their poor command of English. The 2003 policy of teaching Maths and Science in English to improve proficiency in the language has been recently reviewed in 2009 and will revert back to Malay by 2012 due to the pressure of certain political groups. 4.Political Agendas & National Aspirations There have been complaints that much of the facts in subjects such as History and General Knowledge (Pengajian Am) have been distorted to give a view that is in line with the official stand adopted by the government. Others have commented on the growing slant in favour of the certain political parties and Islam within certain school subjects. As mentioned earlier, the conflict between the importance of Malay as the national language and the need for English as an international language carries heavy political undertones. 5.Constant Policy Changes The past few decades has seen many changes been made in the education system, some of which were short-lived. Many non-Muslims adults who were primary school students the late 1970s recall taking Jawi as a compulsory subject before the policy was scrapped in the early 80’s. The ‘baku’ pronunciation system for Malay introduced in 1988 was eventually scrapped in 2000. The 2003 policy of teaching Maths and Science subjects in English will be scrapped in 2012. These changes have undoubtedly brought unnecessary stress upon teachers and students who bear the brunt of changes in policy. 6.Racial Polarisation It is often said that interaction between students of other races leaves much to be desired. It is common even in racially-mixed schools to see cliques of students based on racial backgrounds with a minority who form friendships with those of other races. While Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools are often blamed for this trend, critics have laid the blame on the communal nature of Malaysian politics that have polarised the mind-sets of adults who then pass them on to their school-going children. The problem gets aggravated further by certain teachers who adopt communalistic attitudes. 7.Demotivated Teachers Working hours for teachers tend to stretch from teaching in the morning to conducting co-curricular activities in the afternoon. Social changes have brought a host of disciplinary problems among students that have to be dealt with by the teachers. Some teachers find themselves targeted by unreasonable parents for disciplining their children. In other cases, many fresh teacher graduates find themselves transferred to rural schools against their own will. Not surprisingly, the morale of many teachers along with their commitment has dipped over the years. 8.Rising School Dropout Rate Recent statistics show a high rate of dropout among students from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. It is estimated that 25.0% of Chinese students quit school before the age of 18 resulting in a staggering annual dropout figure more than 100,000. 9.Increased Islamisation In Schools Many schools with a Malay-majority have adopted an increasingly Islamic character. Islamic prayers are recited during school assemblies and official functions. Religious quotations are prominently displayed on walls. The ongoing debate over Christian symbols in mission schools still crops up occasionally. The ongoing process to give Christian mission schools ‘a more national character’ have often led in the jettisoning of Christian principles at the expense of the cutting edge these schools once had. In 2009, locals in Pokok Sena, Kedah complained that a newly-constructed government school building had ‘cross-like’ designs in its architecture, prompting local politicians to make calls for necessary changes. 10.Muslim Missionary Teachers There have been cases where Muslim teachers are sent to rural schools in non-Muslim areas in East Malaysia to serve as both educators and religious proselytisers. In January 2009, parents in Kapit Division in Sarawak have expressed concerns that 71.4% of teachers in the division (a predominantly non-Muslim tribal area) now comprise West Malaysian teachers with the majority from Kelantan. 11.Rural Schools Many rural schools suffer from poor and inadequate infrastructure. These range from Tamil schools in estates to remote boarding schools in the interiors of East Malaysia. It is common for rural East Malaysian boarding school students to resort to using river water to bathe and wash up due to piped water supply shortages. 12.The Christian Presence The presence of Christians in the public schooling system can best be described as minimal. While the number of Christian students in public schools may vary from one place to another, the growing trend among Christian families to send their school-going children to private schools and home schools has reduced the numbers further. Christian teachers and principals are a clear minority in public schools. The lack of dedicated Christian teachers envisioned to impact their schools often results in the absence of ministry to both Christian and non-Christian students. School Christian fellowships for students can still be found in some schools though are often subject to restrictions from their school authorities. PRAYER POINTS: 1. Pray for the Education Ministry that is currently led by Tan Sri Dato’ Muhyiddin Yassin (both Education Minister and Deputy Prime Minister) and his 2 Deputy Ministers, Datuk Dr Mohammad Puad Zarkashi and Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong. Pray for wisdom and that all crucial decisions and policies from the Education Ministry will fall in line with God’s plans. 2. Pray that all weaknesses within the public education system in Malaysia will be promptly addressed with practical, long-lasting solutions. Pray against the trend to politicise areas of concern (eg: the poor standard of English proficiency) to the long-term detriment of the younger generation. 3. Commit the school principals and teachers to God that He will ultimately put into position individuals who are genuinely concerned for the welfare of the students without bias or preference. Pray that the Education Ministry and parents will understand the struggles of the teachers and not impose unrealistic expectations on them. 4. Pray for the improvement of infrastructure in the rural schools, as well as the provision of suitable teachers. Pray that Members of Parliament representing rural areas will highlight the needs of the schools in their constituencies. Pray for the will among the relevant government bodies to respond and act promptly. 5. Commit the issue of the increasingly Islamic identity in the public education system to God. Pray against attempts by overzealous groups to place Muslim teachers-cum-proselytisers in non-Muslim areas, especially in East Malaysia. Pray that all underhand tactics will be exposed, discredited and come to nothing. 6. Pray for the minority of dedicated Christian principals and teachers in public schools that God may sustain them amidst their challenges in serving and making a difference within the system. Pray that their vision to be a blessing to both Christian and non-Christian students will not die out. Ask God for more likeminded individuals to be raised. 7. Pray for the school Christian fellowships that these may serve as catalysts for the spiritual growth for believers and opportunities for the lost to hear the Gospel message. Pray as well for ministries such as Scripture Union that are involved in ministry in public schools. 8. Pray for Malaysian believers to realise that the gradual absence of Christian involvement in the public education system (be it taking teaching as a vocation, enrolling children in government schools, participation in parent-teachers associations or interceding) has partly contributed for the current sorry state of affairs in the public education system. Pray for a change in mind-sets and attitudes.
Prayer on 9 March 2008 As we were praying on the 9th March, my sisters and I requested that more people would come to know Jesus. My other sister wanted religious freedom .I requested that there will more Christians that are God -fearing take up the seats in parliament. As we prayed, I saw a vision of bridges from all over the world connects to Malaysia. I saw this when Pas. Ann was praying “Bring back those Malaysians who have migrated”. Furthermore I saw a cross in Malaysia and the light from that cross shone all over the world. This to me shows that Malaysians will shine for God first and show an example to the other nations of the world. As the light shone, people started to bow down and worship the Living God. In that vision, I looked up to the heavens and saw the angels rejoicing over this situation. Praise God for showing me this to a young girl like me. This all happened at 4.50pm. Abigail (15years)
Prayers submitted by Esther Chin(6 years),2008 NATION FAMILY For my mother and me, guide us Lord Jesus. Open the holy doors that needs to be open and shut the doors which are darkness and are supposed to be shut. Forgive my mummy for doing all her sins. Same things as me. O’ Lord Jesus guide us and for the sins we have done today, please forgive us. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. Dear Lord Jesus I pray for the teachers that teaches us, that the children will remember. Dear Lord, I pray that whatever the teachers teaches me, I will remember. In Jesus Name I pray Amen. Daniel's prayer (10 years) Global Day of Prayer 2007, Klang Valley
3. “Malaysia has so many different states and cultures to visit…so many 4. I can pray harder for this lovely country to turn back to God and 5. “It is a beautiful country with highlands and beaches. I enjoy going Submiitted by a Teacher August was the National Prayer Month for Malaysia and the children have been praying for our country and some neighbouring countries. I took 5
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I pray for Malaysia dear Lord for our country Malaysia needs you dear Lord. For Malaysia wants you O’ Lord. If you do not protect it, the darkness will come and destroy Malaysia. Malaysia needs you as you can see. We need your angels and you. Dear Lord Jesus I pray that you cover Malaysia and protect it. In Jesus Name I pray Amen. 
