Malaysian lawmaker warns of religious intolerance spreading in schools

Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin has sounded the alarm over growing religious intolerance among schoolchildren, saying the trend must be addressed at primary school level before it becomes more widespread.

Mongin highlighted instances where students have been unwilling to sit next to peers from different religious backgrounds, describing the behaviour as a troubling indicator of deepening social divisions.

The lawmaker stressed that early education is crucial in combating such attitudes, warning that failing to intervene at the primary school stage risks allowing intolerant views to take root and intensify among the younger generation.

His remarks underscore ongoing concerns in Malaysia about maintaining religious harmony and social cohesion, particularly in a multiethnic and multifaith society where such attitudes can threaten community relations if left unchecked.

Educational institutions have traditionally played a key role in fostering interfaith understanding and national unity in Malaysia, making efforts to address religious prejudice among students a matter of concern for policymakers and community leaders alike.