Titas covers Chinese, Indian civilisations, says education ministry

The Islamic and Asian Civilisation Studies (Titas) covers not only Islamic civilisation but Malay, Chinese, Indian civilisation and aspects of sociology, said the Education Ministry.

Higher Education director-general Datuk Dr Morshidi Sirat said Titas had been compulsory for public university students of all races since 2006 and both Muslims and non-Muslims have had no issue with the course.

Thus, he said, statements from certain parties that Titas would be unfair to non-Muslim students should not arise, as Muslim students would also be learning the civilisations of the Chinese and Indians and of future civilisation.

“Titas was introduced to give exposure to students of the civilisations existing in Malaysia as a way to develop patriotism and unity," Dr Morshidi said in a statement.

He was commenting on the debate for Titas to be made an elective subject instead of compulsory.

On the concerns that Malay be the medium of instruction, Dr Morshidi said the Private Higher Education Institution Act allows institutions to teach in other languages if they applied for it.

He said concerns that Titas was Islamic in nature, and not suitable for non-Muslims, should also not arise.

With Titas, he said, students have the opportunity to understand the various civilisations in Malaysia, adding that this could instil a sense of patriotism and nationalism.