Malaysian teacher let off lightly for using racial slurs, MIC angry

Banting (Malaysia), Aug 14 : Malaysian Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has been urged to intervene in the case of the teacher who used racial slurs on students at a secondary school here.

Malaysian Indian Congress president S. Samy Vellu said that the party and the community could not accept that the 35-year-old teacher who was let off lightly.

It was reported that the teacher was transferred to a school nearer her house. The transfer letter stated that it was done to ensure her security.

Samy Vellu said the teacher's transfer looked more like a "form of appreciation".

He said he would bring up the party's displeasure of the Education Ministry's handling of the matter with the Prime Minister, the NST Online reported.

Samy Vellu said the teacher would give the government a bad name, adding that the ministry should be more sensitive to such issues.

Meanwhile, coalition of Indian NGOs secretary G. Gunaraj said it was time Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein got involved in the case, as it had drawn nationwide attention.

"It's very disturbing to note that the minister has yet to comment on the matter although so much has transpired," he added.

The teacher not only degraded the community but also exhibited intolerance which does not augur well for a multiracial country like ours," said Gunaraj.

The New Straits Times had reported that the teacher had escaped with a "slap on the wrist" despite admitting to hurling racial abuse at the students.

The teacher allegedly told students in a Form Four class that she "wanted to test their level of patience" and then began using derogatory words.

She even wrote the words on the blackboard. Two students later lodged police reports against her.

Some 500 parents and members of the public gathered to protest in front of the school last week.

ANI