Biological evolution education in Malaysia; Where we are now

Abstract

This paper presents the public acceptance of evolutionary theory on the current state of biological evolution education in Malaysia. The public acceptance of evolutionary theory amongst Malaysians differ according to religion but not according to educational background and economic statuses. Like other Muslim dominant countries, Islamic resurgence that took place in the 1980s has influenced the Malaysian acceptance towards evolution through (a) education reform and Islamization of Science, (b) impact of prominent Islamic scholars and their publications and (c) publications of anti-evolution by Malaysian academicians. Academic reform and Islamization of Science has caused the withdrawal of evolution from the Biology syllabus. Today's Biology subject does not contain any chapter on the theory of evolution. Generally, 70% of Malaysian teachers were shown to be most radically creationist and their attitude and conception were significantly shaped by their religious beliefs and values. With regards to the Malaysian scenario on the evolution education, no emphasis could be discussed in detail concerning the context of Malaysia's biology teachers' evolutionary theory education programs. However, evolution theory education could be a set of knowledges that the citizen should be aware of so that they will be equipped with and exposed to comprehensive and meaningful scientific knowledge supported with religious explanation. This is in order to build a literate nation and produce individuals who have stances based on their pure understanding and knowledge.