Media statement by M.Kula Segaran in Ipoh on Monday, 6^th September 2010:

The government must, through severe punishment against the two school heads, send the right and strong message that enough is enough and there must be no racist educator

It has been reported that the Education Ministry has through a recent circular, warned principals and teachers that action would be taken against those who made such remarks.

Media report says that in the circular dated Aug 26, Ministry director-general Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said he viewed seriously the allegations against a small group of people for making racist remarks in school.

Such circular is timely and welcomed.

Educators are highly respected by the society and they play a very important role in shaping the students' behavior, character and thinking.

There must therefore be no place for racist principals and teachers in our schools.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Nazri has said it well when he recently said that the question is not whether racist educators is a minority, but there must not be even one such educator.

Since the Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib has also recently declared that there must be zero tolerance for racism, he should be aware that the public are still waiting to see what actions will be taken against the school heads of SMK Tunku Abdual Rahman Putra and SMK Bukit Selambau for making racist remarks against the students.

I have no doubt that if a public survey is carried out, majority of Malaysians will say that enough is enough and it is time for tough action.

The traditional practice of transferring problem school teachers and principal to another school will no longer be accepted as sufficient punishment. In fact, this is seen as merely transferring the problem.

The long delay in taking action against the school heads has invited question as to why the government is dragging its feet.

The earlier failure of top government leaders to immediately slam the racist remarks incidents has also meant a missed opportunity to send out the message that the government does not tolerate racist educators.

The government must, through severe punishment against the two school heads, send the right and strong message that enough is enough and there must be no racist educator.

* M. Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman & MP for Ipoh Barat