Education ministry plans action against debate jury panellists

A debate held at Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak in Seremban had touched on sensitive topics, according to the education ministry. (Facebook pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The education ministry is looking into the possibility of taking action against the jury head and adjudicators in the Piala Tun Razak debate tournament following the issue of its topic that allegedly discussed sensitive religious issues which was widely reported on social media.

According to the ministry, investigations found that the chief adjudicators, Mohammad Aidil Ali and Iyad Zakiy Amal, did not discuss or get the views of Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak (SDAR), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, where the debate was held.

It stated that SDAR also said the standard operating procedures for the debate had been explained to the chief jury so that its topic did not touch on sensitive issues pertaining to religion, race, culture and anything that could threaten national security.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said the Higher Education Department would look at the possibility of taking action against Aidil and Zakiy, who were students of a public institute of higher learning.

In a statement issued today, the education ministry says it will not compromise with anyone who violates the regulations intentionally.

“The ministry will not compromise with anyone who violates the regulations intentionally or organising any programmes which disrupt peace between (people of different) races and religions,” it said. - FMT