Don’t make your own rules, minister tells schools

Education minister cautions that practices not stipulated by the ministry could cause disharmony between students of different races and religions.

PETALING JAYA: Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid has urged school administrators not to make their own rules in schools, especially those which could cause disharmony between students of different races and religions.

All rules and matters related to schools are subject to the ministry’s circular, he said in regard to the public uproar over the practice to segregate cups for Muslims and non-Muslims at SK Taman Puteri in Hulu Langat.

“We cannot use our own rules. As administrators, we cannot implement our own rules. We need to refer (to the authorities) and get (their) consideration,” he said.

“You cannot do more than what the rules say. If we do that and if it does not bring harmony, it can cause trouble instead,” he told reporters after opening the Padang Terap Umno division meeting here today.

“We are a multi-racial society. There is sensitivity,” he added, stressing that administrators should not impose their own way of thinking on others.

Asked if he had received a full report on the incident, he said the matter would be resolved by the Selangor state education department.

Meanwhile, a member of the communications unit of the Selangor state education department, who wanted to be known only as Zulhelmi said he visited the school yesterday afternoon after receiving instructions from the director.

Earlier yesterday, checks by FMT at the school found that pictures on social media showing separate cups marked for Muslim and non-Muslim students placed at a water dispenser, were true.

It is learnt however that the labels on the cups have since been removed. - FMT