Labuan teacher transferred, allegedly over cross dispute in school

A teacher from a Christian mission school in Labuan has been transferred following a dispute over the installation of crosses on the school premises.

However, the teacher was allegedly told it was due to an “abrupt reshuffle of senior teachers”.

Avanus Sunduvan (not real name) is a close relative of the teacher in question and made a viral social media post earlier this week detailing the events that led to the teacher’s transfer.

“This issue started with the dispute over the placing of a cross in the missionary school.

“The suggestion from the priest to place this cross was expressed to one of the teachers and supported by parents who sponsored the purchase of the cross to be placed in the hall and every classroom door.

“After the cross was placed, a number of Muslim teachers in the school began to boycott by refusing to attend school meetings and assembly and fought hard for the cross to be taken down,” claimed Avanus.

When contacted, Avanus told Malaysiakini that the land where the school is built is owned by the Roman Catholic Church.

They said that following the objections, the teacher was summarily issued a letter of transfer dated Oct 20, indicating the transfer would take effect on Oct 25.

However, following a number of meetings, the teacher will have to report at a later date.

“It is seen here as an abuse of power by the superiors to arbitrarily transfer a teacher who has served for a long time and contributed towards the excellence of the school's students since 2016,” said Avanus.

Avanus told Malaysiakini that after the post went viral, there were two meetings held between the teacher in question and school authorities.

“Now, we are told the teacher is being transferred because of a reshuffle of senior assistants.

"However, they acknowledged that because of the cross-related issue, it would create an impression that the transfer is linked, so they will postpone the date she has to report," said Avanus.

Petition to reinstate teacher

They added that the school has indicated that crosses have to be taken down now but may be put up again later, once a suitable place for them has been agreed upon.

"The students want to start a petition so that the teacher will not be transferred,” said Avanus.

Malaysiakini has contacted both the school and the Education Ministry's office for a response to these claims but has yet to receive a response. - Mkini