The DAP has submitted a memorandum to the Kedah education department calling for disciplinary action against the principal who allegedly uttered 'racist' comments towards his students during Ramadan.Ng Wei Aik, political secretary to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, submitted the letter today to the department as SMK Bukit Selambau principal Ungku Aznan Ungku Ismail who is believed to be back at the school although he was supposed to be replaced.
Ng, who is state DAP Socialist Youth secretary, was accompanied by the wing's Alor Setar chief Teoh Book Kok.The duo handed over the letter to Quality Assurance Sector chief Mustafa Abdul Hamid, who received the document on behalf of state education director Shahidan Abdul Rahman.Both Mustafa and Shahidan were unavailable for comment.
Ng, who is Komtar assemblyperson, said the alleged racist statement uttered by Ungku Aznan was very serious and can jeopardise the close relationship between the different ethnic groups living in the country."The racist comment should not have been uttered by a public official who is furthermore a principal, who is highly looked upon by the communities," said Ng.
"On behalf of all citizens who are sensitive to the issue, we view the matter seriously and urge the authorities to take the necessary disciplinary action against the principal," he added."He should also be stripped of his position so that he cannot head any other school to avoid a similar incident from recurring in other schools," he added.
The principal was believed to have been 'temporarily suspended' and asked to work in a special space in the office of the state district education department in Kuala Muda/Yan, Sungai Petani, for a week pending investigation.Courting controversyUngku Aznan courted controversy when, angered by the sight of Chinese students having breakfast at the school canteen during fasting period, had during the next morning assembly publicly called them "disrespectful" and suggested that "they should go back to China".On Monday, MCA state chief Chong Itt Chew warned that if Ungku Aznan was not transferred out, the party may organise a protest in front of the school.
However, Chong was unable to confirm if the protest would actually take place.Meanwhile, Ng said the action to 'freeze' the principal should not be seen as a punishment as the latter was allowed to resume his work in Bukit Selambau Secondary School on Sept 19.If no action was taken against Ungku Aznan over his action which hurt the feelings of all Malaysians, this would go against the concept of 1Malaysia promoted by Prime Minister Najib Razak."Action against Ungku Aznan must be similar to that against the principal of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Kulai, Johor, Siti Inshah Mansor."Let the punishment be a lesson to all citizens who respect each other that planting seeds of hatred by a group of irresponsible individuals will no longer be allowed," he added.
