RANTAU POLLS | A protest against the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in Rantau by an NGO culminated in a clash between that group and Pakatan Harapan supporters today.
The incident happened when about 10 members of the group carried out a demonstration against the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) programme.
The group carried a banner alleging that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had made Tamil schools a scapegoat in implementing the programme.
While holding their banners, the group then called out to Rantau voters to choose BN candidate Mohamad Hasan whom they said prioritises the national language as opposed to Harapan candidate Dr S Streram was allegedly too busy to listen to their grouses.
This resulted in Harapan supporters confronting the NGO members and this escalated into pushing and shoving. The situation eased when the police turned up at the scene about 10 minutes later.
According to Theeyagu Loganaden, who led the NGO, they were disappointed with Streram for failing to express his stance on the re-implementation of the PPSMI programme.
"We came to Rantau to gauge the candidates' stance on the programme's implementation. When we met Mohamad Hasan, he told us that he supports the national language.
"But when we met Streram, he refused to entertain us saying he was busy campaigning. Thus, we are campaigning today for voters to reject Streram on Saturday," he told Malaysiakini.
Meanwhile, former PKR secretary-general P Janapala said the NGO's action was provocative and driven by a certain agenda.
"I asked them what Streram, who is yet to win the by-election, has to do PPSMI and they did not answer me. They just said they have the right to campaign.
"I respect their right to demonstrate but there must be a logic behind it. Go and ask the prime minister, education minister or other Indian ministers in the cabinet as the issue concerns the federal government.
"What has it got to do with Streram? It's not that he will be made a minister after he wins Rantau," said Janapala. - Mkini
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