‘Racist’ teacher: Two versions emerge

The official version claims that the teacher has apologised for using the word 'India' and not 'Hindu Pariah' as alleged. But the unofficial version claims otherwise.

GEORGE TOWN: Two versions, one official and the other unofficial, have emerged regarding the controversy surrounding a SMK George Town teacher who allegedly hurled racist remarks at her students.

State Education Department director Ahmad Tarmizi Kamaruddin claimed that the teacher, who was accused of calling a group of Indian students “Hindu Pariah”, had requested for a transfer.

Media reports quoted him as saying that the teacher claimed she was stressed to face the same Form Five class students.

He also said that no action would be taken against Sabariah Ramli, 29, because she had apologised thrice to the students, teachers and the department’s investigating team.

However, reliable sources said the teacher did not request for a transfer nor did she apologise. She, according to them, went on a two-day paid leave due to stress.

Ahmad Tarmizi also claimed that the teacher apologised for using the word “India” and not “Hindu Pariah” as alleged.

He said the teacher also lodged a police report yesterday claiming she only used the word “India”.

Ahmad said she also apologised for tampering with the students’ demerit points during the incident on May 9.

According to sources, during a special dialogue session, the teacher refuted allegations by students that she uttered the “Hindu Pariah” remark.

Chaired by headmistress Farah Shikh Abd Rahman, the Wednesday session was attented by several teachers and students.

Sources claimed that Sabariah told those present that she had only uttered the word “India” and wished to apologise if it was found to be offensive.

However, several students questioned her how was it that they heard her saying “Hindu Pariah” and if she was accusing them of lying.

Farah later called off the meeting without any conclusion.

Is there a cover up?
Sources said the three-member investigating team commissioned by the state education department did not interview nor record any statement from Sabariah at all.

“The school principal and the department officials are defending the teacher and covering up,” alleged some parents.

FMT learnt that state education officials had informed the school authority that Sabariah would not be transferred or punished over the incident.

Sources said the education department regarded the issue as a “small matter”.

Ahmad Tarmizi had said that Sabariah told the investigators that the classroom became noisy due to a group of students after the exam ended.

She allegedly addressed the noisy group, saying: “Apasal India bising banyak ini?” (Why are the Indians so noisy?)

Ahmad Tarmizi also claimed that the parents had accepted the apology so there was no need to prolong the matter.

He also accused certain Indian-based NGOs of manipulating the issue, forcing the department to continue its probe.

Despite the department’s stand, Indian leaders and NGOs were determined to see Sabariah punished.

They also wanted the department to clean up the school administration, which had been accused of being practicing racism, especially against Indian teachers, students and parents.