Now, you know why non-Malays don't like sending their kids to 'Sekolah Kebangsaan'

The events at SK Sri Pristana have left me outraged and shocked. Even taking into account the alternative arrangement (which was a lousy choice) whilst the canteen undergoes renovation and the reasons given by the school’s administration, compelling any person to dine in a shower room is extremely unacceptable.

For some time now the non-Muslim and Chinese communities have shown reluctance in sending their children to Sekolah Kebangsaan for fear of one’s religious values imposed on others. The Ministry of Education must address this issue, more so during this Ramadan month when the incident had caused a furore and dealt a further blow in the communities’ trust and confidence regarding Sekolah Kebangsaan.

Unforeseen consequences

If this incident is not handled correctly, the public will only continue to lose confidence in the school system and this primary school especially. To the outside world, it seems as if the school is avoiding responsibility, primarily given that the reasons offered by the school are unconvincing especially to the parents’ concerned.

This makeshift canteen has fully exposed the school for their lack of sensitivity and complete disregard for health codes. Since the Ministry of Education has ordered an investigation, I hope they can announce the findings and give a full account to the parents and the public.

The school received complaints from parents to make other arrangements and it allegedly willfully disregarded their views, and for this the school should be severely condemned and dealt with. The school has the main responsibility to educate the pupils on this matter so they can understand how to conduct themselves with respect in the future.

Chong Sin Woon
MCA Youth Education Bureau Chairman