Some lessons from the ‘drink your urine’ saga – J.D. Lovrenciear

The latest issue surrounding allegations against a teacher having told non-Muslim students to drink inside the school toilet and also not to “drink your urine” is rocking and inflaming Malaysians.

This is not the first time we have had such sagas hitting the news, especially in this month where Muslims observe Ramadan. There was, not so long ago too, the issue of non-Muslims confined to eating in the toilet, remember?

So in the wake of this new case, yet again, the government, the Education Ministry and schools as well as Muslims are made to bear the brunt of the outcry. To take mincemeat out of the incident is pure political expediency that is totally unethical, as much as to cover it up or try to pull wool over it is not permissible.

No, we must learn to decipher such incidents with clarity, reasonableness and affirmative action if we want to take our nation forward. It needs a collaborative spirit from all sides of the divide if we want to be a mature political, social and economic parliamentary-democracy. It calls, above all, for sound leadership.

To begin with, not all teachers are saints or angels at work. It is no different for any other profession or career. As much as one ugly duckling in any family does not take the shine away from the rest, likewise, one bad apple does not destroy the entire basket of goodness of the teaching profession, provided, of course, that we take decisive and appropriate action.

And any such remedial action taken must be immediate and long-term in nature and effectiveness.

To totally blame the education minister, based on this case, is diabolic and will not wean out good from bad.

At the same time, the authorities and politicians must learn fast not to go on the defensive immediately. They do not have to pussy foot either.

What the leaders and political heroes must remember is to make a statement to the press that reflects utmost professionalism. It must not be perceived to be taking sides or shifting blame.

They must be made to be familiar with the art and science of public relations skills which, if ethically employed, can help them soundly manage such difficult situations without having to drag everyone into messy pits.

Meanwhile, perhaps it also time for the Education Ministry – particularly at the ministerial levels – to also use such incidents to cut across divides and showcase the policies in place.

The deputy education minister rightly employed his ability and office by making some statements that temporarily augur well. However, he needs to go a little distance to use this situation to help citizens to recognise that the ministry is with the people regardless of religion and race. He must with immediacy spell out existing remedial steps until such time that a long-term solution is carved out.

By all means, announce that in view of this incident a task force comprising of educationists, ministry people, members from opposition camps and civil society is being considered to re-visit existing policies to address nipping such undesirable outbursts.

An MIC leader – though those not in his camp will deride what he said till the cows come home – rightly responded to the situation by making the right statements. It helps to allay fears and win support of course, cutting across divides.

The police should be the last to jump onto the bandwagon of publicity. Each time they do so, it gives the impression that PDRM is in cohorts with the ruling political party.

The police should merely state that all affected and involved parties, be it be the government, the relevant ministry, the school and/or the concerned parents will be assisted in this matter in the best possible manner, consistent with the laws of the country. The key word here is “assisted” not “take action”. This is necessary to carve a reputation for the battered police force that is being seen more and more as whip masters and not a guardian of law and order.

We cannot continue to say one thing and mean another.

We cannot continue to harbour our ailing political ships in the seeming bay of “Oh it was a miscommunication” or even “I was misquoted” anymore to buy time in the face of such ugly race- and religion-spiked allegations and or incidents. Soon you will run out of this currency of escapism.

As the saying goes, a crisis is a time for us to spot the opportunities to improve situations and win hearts. But to do so we must be ethics-centred. An unethical society of leaders and followers will only drag the nation down further as they try to profit with short-term gains in sight. 

* J.D. Lovrenciear reads The Malaysian Insider.