Advocates trying to save the people's religious school system (SAR) are heartened by news that two Sultans and a Regent are prepared to table the matter at the next Rulers' Conference from March 11 to 13.

Save the SAR movement (Gegar) chairperson Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid told malaysiakini it had received commitments from the Sultans of Kedah and Perak that the matter would be taken into consideration.

Gegar has also received a letter from the Regent of Perlis, telling the group that he would refer the matter to the conference.

Mohd Azmi said the Ruler of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (photo), has agreed to meet him and a group of people representing SAR, parents and teachers next Tuesday, at the Ruler's office in Wisma Negeri, Alor Setar.

He said it is important for the group to be able to brief the Sultan, who will be chairing the conference.

"We plan to hand over a memorandum to the Sultan and subsequently discuss the issue," he said when contacted today.

Mohd Azmi said he would represent Gegar. Ten others would represent the Kedah Ulamak Association, SAR Principals Council, Kedah SAR Parents-Teachers Association and SAR Teachers Association.

Meeting in Perak

Elaborating o­n the other commitments, Mohd Azmi said that the Perak Ruler, Sultan Azlan Shah, (photo) had granted an audience to Gegar and other SAR representatives in Perak o­n Jan 15.

Mohd Azmi said the Sultan had accepted the memorandum submitted that day and acknowledged the problems faced by the schools.

"We were very well accepted by the Sultan who agreed that the reasons given by the government in making its decision (to stop the per capita grant and to absorb SAR to national schools) are vague," he said.

"The Sultan also expressed regret that the matter had not been referred to the Rulers when decisions were being made."

Sultan Azlan, who is the former Lord President, told the group that he would like the issue of SAR to be placed o­n the agenda of the Rulers' Conference, Mohd Azmi added.

He said the meeting, which took place at the palace in Ipoh, lasted more than an hour.

Gegar has also received letter dated Jan 19 from the Regent of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, saying he would try and raise the issue during the conference.

"The Regent conveyed his regrets for being unable to meet us to receive the memorandum as he would be abroad. But he asked that we send the document to his office," Mohd Azmi said

Three conditions

Mohd Azmi said he hoped that the Rulers' intervention would create space for the government to review decisions and actions that have marginalised SAR.

However, he said it was hard to predict if an amicable settlement could be reached between the SAR supporters and the government, in view of "ongoing attacks".

"Even if a compromise is found, three aspects will stand SAR will have to be continued; it will have to be recognised as part of mainstream education; and any future changes will have to be done in consultation with SAR administrators," he said.

He claimed that Gegar has been trying to meet with policymakers including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but has yet to get a response.

"We will not wait indefinitely. We will mail the memorandum to them soon," he said.

Prayer gatherings

In other developments, Gegar secretary Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman said the plan to gather a million people to pray to save the SAR will proceed o­n Feb 22 at the Kota Bharu Stadium in Kelantan.

He said Gegar would be organising a smaller gathering at the Kuala Terengganu stadium o­n Feb 17.

"We hope that those who want to see SAR continue without glitches will support these events," he said.

The government has stopped assisting SAR financially, claiming that these are not spreading Islamic teachings but sowing hatred among students against the government.

Gegar has denied the allegation, stating that no proof has been offered in support of Mahathir's statement made last year.

It also urged the government to review its decision to absorb SARs into national schools by early next month.

There are more than 260 SARs in the country involving 260,000 students both primary and secondary levels. Since the Education Ministry intervened o­n SAR, 14,000 students have registered to study at national schools.