Chow wants education dept to probe student’s claim

 

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow says authorities must speed up their investigation and take action to avoid ‘negative reactions’ by various parties.

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang education department should investigate a student’s claim that she was ill-treated for not wearing proper shoes to school, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

The Form 1 girl at a school in Tasek Gelugor, who had worn shoes with velcro straps instead of laces, alleged that she was ordered by a senior teacher to kneel with her hands up during assembly on Tuesday.

She also said in a police report that her kayiru, or holy string, was cut, and she was told to remove the pottu (black dot) and holy ash from her forehead.

In a statement, Chow said the department must take appropriate action against those responsible if the allegations were true.

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“The state government will not compromise on such matters.

“(I) hope the state education department can expedite the action to avoid negative reactions and perceptions by various parties towards educational institutions.”

Deputy chief minister P Ramasamy, who is also the state education committee chairman, criticised the alleged “barbaric punishment” of shaming the student during assembly, and “interference” in her religious practice.

Seberang Perai Utara police chief Radzi Ahmad confirmed that the student lodged a report at the Tasek Gelugor police station.

FMT has contacted the Penang education department and the school for comment. - FMT