Suspend 'callous and uncaring' HM, says MIC

MIC treasurer Jaspal Singh has called for the immediate suspension of SK Seri Pristana’s headmaster for making non-Muslim pupils have their meals in the school's shower room. 

In a statement, the senator said he was looking forward to the outcome of the Education Ministry's investigation into the matter. 

"The problem, however, goes way beyond the haunting images of innocent children being, essentially, abused," he said.

Jaspal (left) said the core issue was the callous disregard and disrespect for the beliefs and practices of those different from oneself, in short, bigotry. 

"On the one hand we preach unity and mutual respect, on the other an individual in a responsible position, a headmaster, abuses the very children he is supposed to nurture and protect. 

"Indeed, this is an act of abuse on helpless little children. I would pass on lunch if ordered to eat it in a public shower area, but a child has no choice but to follow the dictates of authority," Jaspal said.                
Referring to Charles Dicken's novel, Jaspal said Oliver Twist was given only thin gruel, but was not made to eat it in an outhouse. 

"It seems our children are being treated worse than those in the notorious workhouses of Dickensian England. Mr Bumble himself, I venture to speculate, would be shocked. Even the gentleman in the white waistcoat would not have it," he added.

Jaspal noted that someone "so callous and uncaring of his charges" as the headmaster of SK Seri Pristana cannot be allowed to continue in his current position. 

"In fact, he should not be allowed anywhere near impressionable children. 

"I call upon the ministry to mete out the harshest punishment on this cruel individual. Suspend him immediately," he said.

Meanwhile, the school claimed that the shower room had been used as a "canteen" since March this year because of "space constraints" in the canteen proper.