Public programmes must include everyone, says Johor Sultan

JOHOR BARU: Nobody must be left out of any public programme because of race or religion, decrees Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

His Majesty added that issues that threatened communal harmony and unity among Johoreans must be handled swiftly by the authorities.

Referring to an allegation of an examination workshop, which was organised only for Muslim students by SMK Infant Jesus Convent Johor Baru that has gone viral, Sultan Ibrahim said accurate and swift responses from authorities will deter rumour mongers from spreading confusion and hate.

"I do not want my 'Bangsa Johor' to be confused and begin turning on each other. I cannot emphasise enough on the need for racial understanding, unity and tolerance.

"The Education Department must be quick to respond in these situations to prevent emotions and falsehoods from running wild.

"This is also a lesson to all parties who must deal swiftly and firmly to quell public dissatisfaction.

"Nobody must be left out of any public programme because of their race or religion," said Sultan Ibrahim in a statement posted on the Ruler’s official Facebook page here on Tuesday (Jan 24).

Sultan Ibrahim also said if it was true that there was racial segregation, then action must be taken against the organisers.

"The same can also be said if it is found that these allegations are proven false and spread by irresponsible parties," His Majesty added.

Earlier, tweets alleging that the school had organised an SPM workshop just for its Muslim students had gone viral garnering a strong reaction from the public.

Twitter user @sangria200 had tweeted that the school had held a two days-one night SPM workshop for its Muslim students at a hotel, saying that it would only involve religious-related subjects.

"However, it turned out to be a comprehensive workshop covering subjects such as Chemistry, Additional Mathematics and other subjects," said @sangria200.

The Education Ministry responded to the allegations by stating that there investigation had shown no evidence discriminatory elements involved in the workshop.

According to the Ministry the workshop was meant to be for all students regardless of race or religion.

- Star