Muhyiddin orders probe on Johor school principal’s remarks

Muhyiddin wants to get the real facts. — File pic

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 — Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has directed a special committee to investigate Johor school principal Siti Inshah Mansor’s alleged “racial remarks” that have caused a national uproar before deciding her fate.

The Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra principal allegedly said during a school assembly that “Chinese students... can return to China,” and likened the prayer strings used by Indians to dog leashes.

In his first remarks about the case, Muhyiddin said he has directed Education director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom to set up a committee to investigate the matter. Alimuddin had earlier said it was a misunderstanding that had been resolved.

“We want to get the real facts. As of now the reaction is very emotional but we must be fair and have the correct information before we can decide on what steps to be taken. This is because there have been many conflicting statements,” the deputy prime minister told a press conference here.

He added that disciplinary action against the principal will decided when the complete report is ready.

“We want to conduct an investigation so that the committee will get detailed information and know what actually happened. The principal has apologised and we have asked her to go on leave. These are temporary steps but we will have to wait for the detailed report by the committee before deciding on her position and the disciplinary action to be taken,” he said.

The police are currently investigating the case under section 504 of the Penal Code for provocation which carries a maximum imprisonment of two years, a fine or both.

A total of 20 complaints have been lodged with the authorities.

The principal had reportedly made the derogatory remarks during the launch of the school’s Merdeka celebrations earlier this week.

“Chinese students are not needed here and can return to China or Foon Yew schools. For the Indian students, the prayer string tied around their neck and wrist makes them look like dogs because only dogs are tied like that,” Siti Inshah was quoted as saying in at least one police report.

Although Alimuddin had said that the offensive remarks made were a misunderstanding and the matter had been resolved, the parents have denied that it was a misunderstanding and want the Education Ministry to take stern disciplinary action against the principal.