A parent reveals that two questions from the controversial novel were posed, and both HRP and MIC are riled up.
KUALA LUMPUR: A parent from Gombak here complained that questions from the controversial novel Interlok were posed during the mid-term examination held last Monday.
According to Human Rights Party (HRP) leader S Jayathas, who received the complaint, the questions were featured in the Malay Language Paper 2 for Form Five students. The paper was set by the district education department.
This happened despite the assurance from Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin that the novel would not be used until amendments were carried out.
Calling Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, a “liar”, Jayathas said there were two questions regarding the novel in the examination paper.
“The first question asked students to pen two interesting incidents mentioned in the novel and why they thought the issues were interesting. The second question asked students to describe the background of a place mentioned in the novel,” he said.
The Interlok novel became controversial after Indian groups, including MIC, claimed that the author had portrayed the community in a negative light, especially with the use of the term “pariah”.
Following this, the Education Ministry agreed to amend the book, and an eight-member panel was set up to make recommendations.
MIC: Act against ‘little Napoleon’
Meanwhile, Jayathas said the latest incident showed that Muhyiddin was not fit to be education minister.
“What good are his powers as education minister if even the district education officers work against his orders?
“Since Interlok was introduced, there have been many cases of fights and name-calling between students. This proves the novel cannot be a good literature material to instil racial unity,” he added.
Contacted later, MIC publicity and communication chief S Vell Paari took the district education department to task for not respecting the ministry and the Indian community.
He also urged the ministry to take action against the district education department director.
“The punishment must serve as a lesson for the other ‘lilttle Napoleons’. We don’t want to see this person promoted to a higher position under the guise of punishment,” he said.
Vell Paari said if the government did not act, it would incur the wrath of the Indian community, and Umno leaders should not blame MIC for the loss of votes.
“How you are going to go down to the community and ask them to vote for BN if you continuously disrespect them?” he asked.
KUALA LUMPUR: A parent from Gombak here complained that questions from the controversial novel Interlok were posed during the mid-term examination held last Monday.According to Human Rights Party (HRP) leader S Jayathas, who received the complaint, the questions were featured in the Malay Language Paper 2 for Form Five students. The paper was set by the district education department.
This happened despite the assurance from Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin that the novel would not be used until amendments were carried out.
Calling Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, a “liar”, Jayathas said there were two questions regarding the novel in the examination paper.
“The first question asked students to pen two interesting incidents mentioned in the novel and why they thought the issues were interesting. The second question asked students to describe the background of a place mentioned in the novel,” he said.
The Interlok novel became controversial after Indian groups, including MIC, claimed that the author had portrayed the community in a negative light, especially with the use of the term “pariah”.
Following this, the Education Ministry agreed to amend the book, and an eight-member panel was set up to make recommendations.
MIC: Act against ‘little Napoleon’
Meanwhile, Jayathas said the latest incident showed that Muhyiddin was not fit to be education minister.“What good are his powers as education minister if even the district education officers work against his orders?
“Since Interlok was introduced, there have been many cases of fights and name-calling between students. This proves the novel cannot be a good literature material to instil racial unity,” he added.
Contacted later, MIC publicity and communication chief S Vell Paari took the district education department to task for not respecting the ministry and the Indian community.
He also urged the ministry to take action against the district education department director.
“The punishment must serve as a lesson for the other ‘lilttle Napoleons’. We don’t want to see this person promoted to a higher position under the guise of punishment,” he said.
Vell Paari said if the government did not act, it would incur the wrath of the Indian community, and Umno leaders should not blame MIC for the loss of votes.
“How you are going to go down to the community and ask them to vote for BN if you continuously disrespect them?” he asked.
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