Kula calls Idris an 'artless dodger'

DAP national vice-chairperson M Kualsegaran described Education Minister II Idris Jusoh's act of blaming outsiders for the public furore over the SK Seri Pristana "canteen in shower room" issue as a "convenient dodge by the very people who could have prevented the controversy."

"By now the public were expecting the government to bring closure to the issue by accepting that a mistake had been made and that amends needed to be made," commented the MP for Ipoh Barat.

"Instead of closure, Idris has chosen to rub more salt into wounds the issue created, by blaming outsiders for stirring up matters, when there would not have been any controversy had the school not given unreasonable cause for it," added Kulasegaran (right).

Controversy over recess time arrangements at Seri Pristina during the fasting month of Ramadan flared after pictures were posted on Facebook showing non-Muslim pupils having to take their refreshments near where the shower stalls of the school are located.
                
The photos led to parents demonstrating outside the school in protest. 

The parent who posted the photos subsequently withdrew her child from the school, citing harassment by teachers allegedly angry at the exposure. 

Parents of a couple of other children too moved their children to other schools, presumably in reaction to harassment. 

The issue flared in the public arena for several weeks before matters appeared headed for closure whereby the supposedly offending headmaster would issue an apology.

The controversy was renewed last week when the expected apology was not tendered. Now Idris's act of fingering outsiders as the troublemakers has exacerbated matters.

"Idris should pour balm on hurt feelings rather than opt for evasion of responsibility for the issue by faulting outsiders," said Kulasegaran.

"This matter has been unwarrantedly prolonged because those responsible want to dodge their duty. It appears that saying sorry is too demeaning for some people," lamented the legislator.