Penang MIC accuses MOE of indifference over Tamil songs 'ban'

 

Penang MIC has voiced dismay over the Education Ministry’s (MOE) response to allegations of a ban on Tamil songs at the National Tamil Language Carnival 2023.

Its state liaison committee chairperson J Dhinagaran said the Penang Education Department appears to be avoiding responsibility for the issue.

“The allegation is that the Penang Education Department has deprived the rights of Indian students at the carnival and drastic changes were made to its schedule.

“However, the press release (by the department) seems indifferent and remorseless for the oversight in organising the carnival.

“The Penang Education Department should be sincere in its feedback and the statement issued since word has spread and caused disappointment among Indians nationwide. And yet, there is so far no apology from the Education Ministry.

“Does the Indian community appear insignificant to the MOE, especially when the minister herself is from Penang? Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek should not remain silent on this matter,” he said in a statement today.

Dhinagaran (above) is the complainant to the MOE regarding the alleged ban on singing the songs “Kadavul Valthu” and “Tamil Valthu” at the opening ceremony of the National Tamil Language Carnival 2023 organised by the ministry.

The event took place at a hotel in Kepala Batas yesterday.

Earlier, it was reported that Penang state executive councillor Sundarajoo Somu and Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Kumaran Krishnan also claimed that a banner displaying the image of Tamil literary figure Thiruvalluvar was prohibited from use.

However, the MOE denied these allegations.

In a statement yesterday, according to the Penang Education Department, the MOE has never prohibited the singing of traditional songs during language, arts, and cultural events.

“The MOE is concerned about the viral issue regarding the alleged ban on singing traditional songs during the National Tamil Language Carnival 2023.

“Referring to the issue raised, the Penang Education Department has taken appropriate steps to ensure that this does not recur in the future,” according to the statement.

Action urged against officers

However, Dhinagaran argued that the ministry’s explanation is unacceptable.

“As stated in our letter to the Penang Education Department yesterday, Penang MIC urges the department to take action against the officers responsible for this confusion when implementing new rules that have never been practised before.

“The ministry’s failure to take action can be perceived as Fadhlina neglecting the sentiments and traditions of the Indian community,” he said.

Earlier, Fadhlina did not respond when Malaysiakini asked about the issue at the PKR Women’s Congress in Putrajaya.

“No comment yet,” she said when asked about the status of investigations regarding the matter. - Mkini