The Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) is of the view that extra-curricular activities are a continuation of formal education.

Such activities allow students to explore the meaning of life, their interests and skills.

School authorities should encourage students to exercise their choice according to their interests and inclination. In no way should this freedom be deprived.

Recently, the school authorities of a secondary school in Malacca ordered the closure of the Buddhist Society because its Chinese students preferred to join the Buddhist Society and Chinese Language Society.

The unacceptable reason was that the school authorities hoped to encourage students to participate in other societies so as to reduce the students' tendency to join only a few societies.

The freedom of religion and language has all the while been protected by the federal constitution since Independence.

It is the foundation of mutual respect of Malaysians. Earlier on, the Buddhist community strived hard and got the Ministry of Education to issue an order, delegating school principals the power to approve the establishment of religious societies.

That was to reduce the unnecessary phenomenon created by "little Napoleons" in the approval process.

But, now we face a situation where too many students choose the same society, resulting in school authorities wanting to reduce or close some societies in the name of promoting pluralism.

A plural nation is built upon the basis of harmony and non-destruction of social order where the people can choose according to their needs.

A democratic society is constructed upon the foundation of the majority respect the rights of the minority.

The various ethnic groups and followers of different religions all have the freedom to choose their language and faiths.

YBAM sees this issue prudently and hopes that in dealing with such matters, government officials should be more sensitive and accommodative in their approach.

Sek Chin Yong is secretary general of the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM).