Dong Jiao Zong has welcomed PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's call for all parties to engage in dialogues over the teaching of Jawi script to Standard Four pupils in national and vernacular schools.

However, the Chinese educationist group appeared firm on proceeding with its congress regarding the matter. 

Dong Jiao Zong also issued a media invitation for the congress, which is scheduled to take place on Dec 28 at the New Era University College in Kajang.

"We welcome the PKR president's statement. We also agree with his suggestion that all parties settle the dispute via dialogues.

"Our stand remains the same. We are willing to hold dialogues or communicate with any quarter in a rational manner before or after the Dec 28 congress,” it said in a statement this afternoon.

Dong Jiao Zong hopes such dialogues would promote better understanding among the different ethnic groups and be able to resolve the issues in question.

Yesterday, Anwar (photo) urged Dong Jiao Jong and others, be it those who opposed or supported the teaching of Jawi script, to cancel their respective meetings.

The PKR leader warned that the issue could further inflame the political and racial situation in the nation. 

Another congress, which is also opposed to the teaching of Jawi script, is slated to take place on Dec 29. This is being organised by the Gabungan Seni Khat Action Team (Sekat). 

Meanwhile, Dong Jiao Zong reiterated its stand that school boards must be allowed to decide on the teaching of Jawi script.

The educationist group organised the congress to protest the Education Ministry's latest teaching guidelines for the Jawi script lessons.

The aim of the congress is to convince the government to cancel the lessons in vernacular schools.

The new guidelines allowed parents to decide if such lessons could be introduced in schools. The lessons would proceed if more than half of all parents agreed.

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned that the Dong Jiao Zong congress could lead to chaos.