Malaysian Education Ministry warns of action over racist remarks in schools

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Education Ministry has warned principals and teachers that stern action would be taken against those making racist remarks in government run schools.

The faculty in government schools has been asked to be extremely careful with their words and not utter racist remarks.

The Ministry’s Director-General Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohammad Dom had in a circular dated August 26 said he viewed seriously the allegations against a small group of people for making racist remarks in school.

“They are insensitive to the government’s efforts to make schools the place to cultivate the 1Malaysia spirit. If investigations show that principals or teaching staff are guilty of racism, the ministry will take serious action against them,” The Star quoted Alimuddin, as saying.

“Schools are the place to strengthen racial unity and teaching staff must be polite and careful when carrying out their duties. They must always be sensitive to the wishes of the Government to promote unity, which is in line with the Malaysia concept,” he added.

Two principals from Johor and Kedah had recently come under the scanner for allegedly using racist remarks against students within the school premises.

Earlier on Aug 12, a school principal from Kulaijaya, Johor, allegedly used racist remarks against non-Malay students during the launch of the school’s Merdeka celebrations, and described them as passengers during her speech at the start of the celebrations.

In yet another incident, a principal in Sungai Petani allegedly scolded 10 Form Three students for eating outside the school canteen before the morning classes began, as the lights in the canteen were switched off. (ANI)