MOE transfers officer who banned Tamil songs from language carnival

An Education Ministry officer who banned Tamil songs from being performed at a Tamil language carnival has been transferred out.

However, it was unclear where the officer - whose identity and rank are unknown - was transferred to, and whether there were any other repercussions.

An aide to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek revealed the transfer while trying to dismiss allegations that the ministry did not take action over the incident.

Instead, Fadhlina’s special officer Thiyagaraj Sankaranarayanan said stern action was taken.

"The officer responsible has been transferred to another department," he said on Facebook yesterday.

"Allegations that the ministry did not take action on other officers who had ordered the matter are also baseless.

"We have to be aware that any statements on this matter will affect further investigations by the ministry," he added.

Last month, there was an uproar after two Tamil songs were banned from the Tamil language carnival in Penang, which was organised by the Education Ministry.

The two songs were 'Kadavul Valthu', a worship song, and 'Tamil Valthu’, which is a song about the Tamil language.

Also banned were banners featuring Tamil literary and philosophical figure Thiruvalluvar.

Fadhlina later said the incident should not have happened and apologised to the Indian community over the matter. - Mkini