Teacher let off with warning

By KAREN CHAPMAN

PETALING JAYA: The teacher who uttered racial slurs against a group of Indian students in Banting recently has been given an administrative warning.

This means the teacher who has also been transferred, would have this on her record.

Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the Selangor education department's disciplinary committee investigated the case by calling those involved including the teacher and students.

"The Kuala Langat district education office also obtained the assistance of Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah on Aug 5 to set up a meeting between the parents and teachers," he said in a statement.

Alimuddin said the Selangor education department's disciplinary committee decided that the teacher be given the warning.

"As one of the steps taken to cool down the issue, the teacher was placed temporarily in the Selangor education department's counselling unit. The department counsellor will be working with her," he said.

Two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang recently lodged police reports against the teacher, alleging that she had made derogatory remarks about Indian students and called them unflattering names.

Angry parents and other members of the Indian community had gathered outside the school to protest against the teacher.

"The ministry regrets the incident which occurred during a class at the school on July 18. It also caused dissatisfaction among the parents at the school," said Alimuddin.

The ministry, he added, regarded the case as solved and hoped all parties would not raise the issue again.

National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng when contacted, said a teacher must be professional at all times when teaching students.

Teachers have responsibilities to their students and should not mix this up with emotion, she added.

"Since we live in a multi-racial country, teachers must think as Malaysians and treat all fairly," she said.

Lok said those who were not passionate and committed to the profession, should leave.

The Star Online: 20 Ogos 2008