Education scholar disagrees with the adoption of standardized history book in Macau

This is a June 5, 1989 file photo of  a Chinese man as he  stands alone to block a line of tanks heading east on Beijing’s Cangan Blvd. in Tiananmen Square

Teresa Vong, education scholar from the University of Macau, has disagreed with the local government regarding the adoption of a standardized history textbook in local middle and high schools.

At Tuesday’s presentation of the Policy Address for 2017, Chief Executive Chui Sai On noted that the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) has already reached a consensus with mainland authorities to produce standardized materials for the study of history.

Chui said that the government has already amended and published the latest Moral and Civic Education textbook, as well as a history textbook regarding China and Macau. Moreover, Chui said that the DSEJ will work closely with the People’s Education Press (PEP), which is under the direct leadership of the Ministry of Education (MOE) of China.

Together, the two education authorities will draft history textbooks for both middle and high schools. The new textbook is scheduled for implementation at the beginning of the academic year of 2019/2020.

China’s troubled Cultural Revolution

Vong, who opposes this decision, told the Times that, “Macau and mainland China are within the framework the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy. How can such a history book implement this policy?”

She added that PEP history textbook criticizes and even vilifies capitalism, even though Macau has adopted a liberalized economy.

Some colleges in Macau currently work with a version of a history book completely drafted by the PEP. Vong considers Macau to have done a lot in order to emphasize the relationship between Macau and China.

Vong told the Times about her concerns regarding the possible contents of the history book, saying she doubted whether historical events such as the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 would be featured.

“If these things are not talked about in the history book, then there will be a gap [in the students’ understanding of history],” said Vong.

Chui’s comments on Tuesday followed lawmaker Mak Soi Kun’s question about when Macau will adopt a standardized history textbook in all its schools, and when the city will have qualified teachers for the subject.

Chui agreed with Mak on the importance of these matters and added that adopting a single history book will enhance students’ knowledge about China’s and Macau’s histories, as well as the traditions of the local youth. He added that it would also foster patriotic feelings in students.

Vong also remarked that Mak had shone a spotlight on the implementation for some time, which she considered to be a way of consistently leaking out a message to the public, so that people “can be prepared to accept the reality.” JZ