By G Vinod
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism (MCCBCHST) today expressed its concern over a report that a school in Klang had ordered the immediate dissolution of its Hindu, Buddhist and Christian students clubs.
The report which was carried in a local daily yesterday claimed the announcement was made last week during the Klang High School assembly.
“If the news is true then the school needs to explain to the parents and the public as to why such a directive was issued in the first place,” said Dr Thomas Phillips who is the president of MCCBCHST.
He also expressed his disappointment over the move and urged the Selangor Education Department to investigate the allegations.
In his letter, Thomas also said the Education Ministry and the National Unity Ministry should realise that his body will mount a protest against the school's directive if it was proven to be true.
“However the MCCBCHST will always be ready to assist the Education Ministry in any way we can to ensure goodwill and mutual respect prevails amongst all Malaysian students,” said Thomas.
FMT was not able to get any response from the school or the Selangor state education department despite several attempts.
Unilateral decision
Meanwhile Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nazri Aziz said neither the Cabinet nor the Education Ministry knew about such directive.
“I have been a minister for 10 years and I have never heard of such directives where non-Muslim religious societies are disallowed in schools.” said Nazri.
“I believe the decision was made unilaterally.”
On the same note deputy education minister Wee Ka Siong has ordered for an investigation to be carried out on the allegation.
“I expect a to receive a full report in a week's time,” Wee said.
In a related development, Wee also tweeted that he had spoken to the DG of his ministry and said the Selangor education director will ask the school to reinstate non-Muslim associations.
