BUKIT MERTAJAM: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has called on those responsible for a viral claim that an Education Ministry programme involving schools was held in a church to come forward and apologise.
She said the allegation was untrue and misleading and could create misunderstanding among the public and disrupt social harmony, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
"We received complaints regarding a defamatory statement alleging that the Education Ministry organised a programme in a church.
"In reality, the programme was held at an international school and involved an engagement session with stakeholders from private schools and preschools," she told newsmen during a breaking of fast programme here tonight.
Fadhlina said the session took place in a hall at the school and not in a church as alleged.
"This is the month of Ramadan. Any slander or misinformation that attempts to disrupt harmony or incite anger and misunderstanding within society should not be allowed to spread," she added.
Fadhlina was commenting on a viral social media post alleging that a programme involving private kindergartens and the ministry was held in a church in Bukit Mertajam.
She described the allegation as not only false but also malicious, warning that such claims could create unnecessary tension within the community.
"For now, we are taking the approach of clarifying the actual situation to the public and denying the defamatory allegation.
"The event was attended by many stakeholders involved in the engagement session. It took place in a hall with proper facilities and the discussions were conducted smoothly.
"The claim that it was held in a church is completely untrue," she said.
It was reported that the ministry had denied claims circulating on social media that a stakeholder engagement session involving private kindergarten operators from the northern zone was held in a church.
Education director-general Mohd Azam Ahmad said the session was actually held in the hall of Assumption International Secondary School, which is registered with the ministry.
He said the venue was selected based on several factors, including the availability of suitable facilities, while also highlighting the role of international schools as part of the country's private education ecosystem. - NST
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