Wee: Where else can we ‘balik’ to?

MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong urges educators to be mindful of sensitivities and refrain from using derogatory statements against students.

UPDATED

PETALING JAYA: MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong today accused educators of fueling the fires of racial bigotry in the country.

He was referring to the principal of SM Alam Megah in Section 27, Shah Alam who had allegedly uttered derogatory instructions against her students, telling them to “…balik India dan China”.

This incident came less than a week after the SK Seri Pristina school issue was resolved.

“When will it all end? We are patriotic and loyal Malaysian citizens, and Malaysia is our home. Where else can we ‘balik’ to?” asked Wee today.

Wee said that while the rakyat are constantly advocating for a more harmonised and less racially-divided society, the educators themselves are fueling the fires of racial bigotry.

“This recurring theme of targeting students who are not of the same ethnicity is disappointing, even more so when schools are expected to inculcate mutual respect for one another.

“Rather than to polarise friendships as not only students are offended, the multiracial teachers too are likewise affected,” said the Ayer Itam MP.

No need to spew racial comments

FMT reported yesterday that the principal of SM Alam Megah scolded her students and told them to ‘balik India dan China’ for not paying attention to her during during assembly.

Wee, a former deputy education minister, said that there was no need to spew racially motivated comments in order for a group of teenagers to quiet down.

“There are teachers and prefects to assist in disciplining noisy students. Why couldn’t the principal use reasonable methodology rather than getting angry and release this type of disgraceful slander?” he asked.

Wee said it is an honour to hold a principal’s position, adding that parents, community and the Education Ministry entrusts principals to lead the school with diligence and prestige.

“With these comments, the principal of SM Alam Megah has exposed her prejudice and has let down the community as a whole. Besides betraying her prejudice, she lacked class, composure and self control,” he added.

Wee said that the abuse uttered by the principal will remain in the psyche of the targeted students and she should apologise before any other action is taken.

“If the allegations are found to be true, the principal should face administrative consequences so as to set a fair precedent to prevent future such incidents,” said Wee.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan said that the ministry would be investigating the matter.

“The ministry will not hesitate to take action against the headmistress, if the investigation reveal the latter is guilty,” he was quoted as saying in Sembaruthi.com, a Tamil online news portal.