Azalina rejects ‘racist BTN module’ claim

Minister says BTN has been rebranded to include representation by various races and even an opposition member.

PETALING JAYA: The government has denied an opposition allegation that the National Civics Bureau (BTN) programmes are racist, saying their aim is to build resilience and patriotism.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said, in response to Amanah’s claim yesterday, said the BTN had been rebranded to reflect the country’s multiracial image and were free of party politics.

“In early 2016, I formed a special panel to rebrand BTN with its members made up of various races drawn from representatives of the National Council of Professors and Members of Parliament, including an opposition representative,” she said.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub yesterday charged that BTN must take responsibility for planting the seeds of terrorism through its programmes which were racist and encouraged the bashing of opponents of the ruling party.

Salahuddin alleged 70% the BTN module was directed at inciting racial and religious hatred while only 30% actually involved governance.

Azalina dismissed the allegations as baseless and a political play by the opposition.

She added that the Amanah leader had never attended any BTN course. -FMT