Some Hong Kong people have been insisting since last year that the inclusion of moral and national education (MNE) in local primary and secondary school curricula is "brainwashing", but this author begs to differ.

I. "Brainwashing" is fundamentally different from the planned introduction of MNE as a regular subject. The most important characteristics of "brainwashing" are force-feeding of select information, a lasting process and asymmetrical indoctrination, meaning the subject of "brainwashing" is prevented from receiving opposing views while being force-fed with prescribed information.

The fact is MNE has none of the characteristics or nature of "brainwashing". Here's why: 1) The MNE program is not heavily focused on State-related information, which is only one of five areas the course covers; 2) the content, method of teaching and test format are all flexible and non-mandatory. This course is non-mandatory even though it includes exams like mandatory subjects such as Chinese and mathematics do. Why? Because 3) the reference materials for teachers in MNE class do not and cannot prevent students from accessing related information through other channels (such as the Internet, newspapers, magazines and public libraries).

II. Why do some people insist on equating MNE with "brainwashing"? There are three reasons, and the first is ignorance. Some people don't really know what "brainwashing" is but automatically jumped to the conclusion when the government decided to add MNE to school curricula.

The second is ideological bias. Those people would never object if schools teach students about Western-style "democracy" and "freedom" or criticize China's political system, because they believe it is the right thing to do. They will, however, cry foul if the mainland's political system is portrayed in a positive light. The truth is they have been "brainwashed" with Western bias beyond repair.

The third reason is local bias toward the mainland. Some people here are so thoroughly sold to the belief that the mainland is good at nothing that they can never accept any positive information about the mainland's political system and economic achievement. That is why they will no doubt jump up and down in great joy if schools provide a course focused on bad-mouthing the mainland.

III. Here is what I think of providing national education in Hong Kong: First, national education must not be seen as the same as history. History as a subject is critical and inherent at the same time, which is why it can and should teach both positive and negative sides of historical figures and events. National education, on the other hand, is aimed at cultivating the younger generation's sense of national identity and therefore should emphasize positive aspects of the nation. After all, why bother teaching the course if it does not help students develop love for the country?

Second, the MNE in Hong Kong must not contain the idea of subversion against the central government and the Constitution (which institutionalizes the ruling party status of the Communist Party of China). Some political parties and individuals in Hong Kong are anti-China and anti-Communist and the Basic Law allows it, but the SAR government as a regional administration is not allowed to oppose the central government or the governing party of the country. Nor is it allowed to implement anti-China and/or anti-CPC policies.

Last but not the least, people should read the situation correctly and not be confused by its complexity. If people believe China is capable of overcoming the difficulties and problems it faces and will become a bona fide world power in 20-30 years' time, then they should let the younger generation learn about the country in a positive and objective light so that they can develop and progress with the country and eventually become a proud Chinese citizen.

The author is a veteran current affairs commentator.

(HK Edition 08/31/2012 page3)