Observe religious sensitivities of all, schools told

Education Minister II Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh (pic) has frowned on schools that conduct activities which offend the religious and cultural beliefs and sensitivities of any ethnic group, saying they only serve to harm the spirit of unity.

Commenting on the slaughter of cows in school compounds during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations last week, Idris said the parties involved must first and foremost consult other non-related parties who also use the same venue.

"If it is a public area, like schools, then you should know what are the sensitivities concerned, especially among those of other faiths," he told The Malaysian Insider at the Parliament today.

He said similarly, the Deepavali eve (November 1) briefing directive should have been handled with consideration towards those who are celebrating Deepavali. The briefing issue has been criticised by opposition lawmakers.

Seri Delima state assemblyman RSN Rayer and Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran have slammed the ministry for being insensitive to Hindu teachers who will be celebrating Deepavali the following day (November 2) and who are also invigilating the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) and the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.

"It is the same thing,” Idris said. “It boils down to mutual respect. It is something we have been lacking... not a question of slaughtering cows, but respect for one another's beliefs," he added, citing SK Seri Pristana in Sungai Buloh, which was thrust into the limelight following the operation of a makeshift shower room canteen in the school for non-Muslim pupils to eat in during the month of Ramadan.

"Sometimes we tend to go beyond limits in issues like this. But to me, it is mandatory to first have mutual respect. That is the point that is missing here," he said.

However, Idris did not say if a directive or warning would be issued to schools regarding both incidences.

He expressed disappointment that someone from overseas had phoned a local school headmaster over the cow slaughter incident last week and insulted Islam during their conversation.

In the eight-minute phone call which has gone viral on Youtube, the caller known as Saravanan is repeatedly heard asking about government rules and challenging the headmaster to explain why the Chinese can't slaughter pigs at schools during festivals.

"The sensitivity should be mutual. We cannot have one party indulging in acts like this... it is not funny," Idris said.

Sources told The Malaysian Insider that the District Education Department must be informed if a school planned to hold a cow slaughtering event.

"Often the officials would instruct the school authorities to cooperate with a nearby mosque or surau to use their premises for the act."

"However, the problem is, some schools do not inform the department," the source said.

Meanwhile, MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said the cow slaughter issue could incite bigger problems.

"Especially when carried out in national schools. This could be a worrying problem and disturbing for non-Malay students," he added.

Palanivel said Malay leaders too should voice their concerns over such practices in school compounds. - October 22, 2013.