One night in 1962, Special Constable Vellu Raja Velu doggedly pursued an armed man despite being shot several times. He was every bit the supercop and man of steel colleagues described him to be. Sadly his determined pursuit led to his death. FADHAL A. GHANI has the story

HE was described as a policeman who knew no fear.

He was called a supercop, a man of steel by his colleagues.

The brave 30-year-old only thought about his duty and how best to carry them out, even if it meant his life would be in danger.

That sense of duty, however, led to Special Constable Vellu Raja Velu's murder one night in August 1962.

That night, Vellu was informed about an armed robbery in progress at a sundry shop owned by his friend, Teh Tai Chai.

Armed only with a torchlight, Vellu rushed to the shop at the Midland Estate in Klang to confront the robbers.

The four men, one of them armed with a pistol, had held up Teh and his assistant at 8pm, but Teh's wife had managed to sneak out of the shop and alerted a neighbour, who in turn informed police and rounded up several estate workers in the area.

When the robbers saw Vellu they fled in different directions.

Vellu chased the robber who was armed, but his torchlight proved to be his undoing, as it made him an easy target.

Vellu was hit several times, but each time, he got up to resume the chase, until the fatal shot came.

The killer was later caught and set upon by a group of estate workers who clubbed him to death.

For his courage and devotion to duty, Vellu was posthumously awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) on June 5, 1963, by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sadly, no one was there to collect the medal as Vellu was single and an only child whose parents had long since died.

Police have been looking for Vellu's relatives for the past 46 years as they want to hand over RM20,000 which he is entitled to under the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (Remembrance Allowance) Act.

Relatives are urged to contact Muzium Polis research department's Sergeant Major Ramlan Awaludin at 03-22725689.

Quite poetically, this man of uncommon valour was laid to rest in a Hindu cemetery on a hill along the Federal Highway in Klang, just a kilometre away from the sundry shop where he saved the lives of its owner, his wife and assistant that night in August 1962.

Well, any comments on the mail below? I received it 2 weeks ago but just waiting the right time to post it..since the issue on the teacher is no longer being mentioned. Although our deputy education minister said she would be transfered to another state, we need follow ups and proof that she had been severely punished.

"I was totally upset with the incident happened at SM Telok Panglima Garang. I was shocked when read the news and just wondering re we Indian born to be ABUSE by others? i couldn't get the answer. yet yesterday i got another shock when read about the 35 year old teacher get a better deal where she been transfer ed to a SMART school which is nearer to her house. the reason too RIDICULOUS. the previous school not safe for her!

I was thinking are we going to get a better deal if abuse or create racial tension among community? worst part its its seems like such act most WELCOME by our BN government! where is MOE promise that they will sack the teacher if the allegation is true. but days later the teacher herself admit it. whats MOE waiting for?? to give her EXCELLENT teacter AWARD?? shouldn't MOE already sack her?? sack her from service for me is nothing because her act can be charge under ISA.

i believe INIDIANs get fair judgement if MOE sack her and charge her under ISA. because its so clear that anyone create dissatisfaction among RAKYAT or create racial tension can be charge under ISA. why government can charge HINDRAF leader just because they voice out for their own community and this teacher who abuse another race still moving around and yet get a better deal?? if government think that hindraf is a national treat than this TEACHER like a TIME BOMB in the community.

i also disappointed with our PR MPs. why there is no any action for your side? I saw that MIC was doing something about the issue. but PR side only death silent!! whats going on? is this what indians get to support PR in 12th GE? yet Lim Kit Siang can voice out for indian but our PR INDIAN MPs still keep quiet! dear indian PR MPs please do something. otherwise you going to lose indians support! bare in mind that permatang pauh by-election just around the corner. if want to see victory you have to do something because the whole indian community AWAKE now.

regards,
disappoint INDIAN "

THE Education Ministry should take note of the yearly increase in enrolment at Tamil schools in the country, Malaysia Nanban said in its editorial.

It referred to Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department S.K. Devamany's statement that the ministry should ensure that there were enough teachers, classrooms, tables and chairs.

Currently, there are about 105,000 students studying in Tamil schools and the number is expected to reach 112,000 by 2010.

Devamany said the current increase in enrolment was due to the importance given to education by the Indian community and the need to maintain their identity.

The paper said problems and issues facing Tamil schools, especially in estates, were discussed at a meeting of the special committee set up by the ministry to look into the status of Tamil schools.

Plantation, Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin and his deputy A. Kohilan had given their input on the problems facing the schools.

The paper hoped that more parents would take the initiative to send their children to Tamil schools for their education.

Three buses - one of which was filled with passengers - have been escorted to a police station in Permatang Pauh after PKR supporters believe they were used to ferry phantom voters.


MCPX
The three buses and the passengers are now at the Seberang Jaya police station while PKR leader N Gobalakrishnan, who is also Padang Serai parliamentarian, lodges a police report on his party's suspicions.

And at about 5.30pm, two more buses suspected of carrying phantom voters, were escorted into the police station.

Gobalakrishnan told Malaysiakini that he was informed of six buses allegedly carrying phantom voters would be coming into Permatang Pauh.

Upon a quick inspection, PKR supporters found two empty buses at 2pm parked along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, under the watch of some police personnel.

The PKR supporters were then told by the police officers that the buses were waiting for voters to return from voting.

Gobalakrishnan had then insisted that the buses were taken to a police station pending a police report.

Cops 'too busy' to accept report
And on the way to the police station, the PKR group found another bus entering Permatang Pauh. This third bus was filled with passengers.

Gobalakrishnan had also wanted this bus too to be taken to the police station, along with its passengers.

It was learnt from one of the drivers that the buses were from Malacca.

The first three buses had registration numbers from Malacca, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, and one was registered to an address in Malacca Umno building.

When Malaysiakini spoke to some of the passengers from the buses which were 'caught', they said that they were from Bukit Katil, Malacca and were here to support the BN candidate Arif Shah Omar Shah.

They are angry for being detained and accused of being phantom voters. The passengers were wearing white BN T-shirts and caps.

Gobala and sons arrested

A team of riot police and a water-cannon truck have been deployed to the police station.

Gobalakrishnan and PKR secretary-general Sallehuddin Hashim went into the police station to lodge a report but came out 30 minutes empty-handed.

Gobalakrishnan told a crowd of 50 party supporters outside the building that the police were too busy to take their report. He said he would try again soon.

And in a dramatic turn of events, when Gobalakrishnan went back into the police station, the MP and his two sons were arrested for "stopping the buses".
His sons - Arvind, 20, and Pravin, 23 - were also allegedly roughed up by the police prior to their arrest.

The FRU also dispersed the waiting PKR crowd outside police station.

Malaysiakini goes live today with the by-election coverage, giving updates on the voting and other happenings in this constituency. Please click 'Refresh' or 'Reload' in your browser for the latest reports from Permatang Pauh. [See map]



9.50pm: Official EC tally - Anwar got 31,195 votes, Arif Shah, 15,524, Hanafi, 92. Anwar won with a majority of 15,671.

Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, won the seat with a 13,388 majority at the March 8 general elections.

The official voter turnout was 81.1 percent, or 47,410 out of 58,459 registered voters - which was much higher than what the EC had stated earlier. There were 599 spoilt votes.

The turnout is slightly higher than March 8 - 12 votes more, to be exact.

Meanwhile, outside the main counting centre Tuanku Bainun Teaching Institute, thousands of jubilant PKR supporters had gathered to embrace their leader's return to Parliament.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali was there to address the crowd numbering some 10,000. Other party leaders like R Sivarasa and Tian Chua were also there.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang and PAS' Husam Musa were also there.

Anwar also addressed the ecstatic group of supporters, thanking voters for their support. Tian said that the overwhelming victory showed that "the prime minister's racial politics is bankrupt".

The EC made the official announcement at 10.05pm. Only Anwar and Hanafi were present at the announcement. Also present was Wan Azizah.

After the announcement was made, Anwar said that he was touched by the victory.

The victor immediately went to meet his supporters after that.

9.25pm: Official EC results - With final five ballot boxes to go, Anwar has bagged 29,526 votes, Arif Shah (14,444) and Hanafi (89). Majority so far: 15,082.

So, HINDRAF having internal problems? Did they trusted the wrong party? Or HINDRAF got a problematic leader?

"Recently someone wrote in Malaysiakini that HINDRAF had been betrayed by the PR in the four new states ruled by them. The writer went on to state that nothing much had changed and PR failed to deliver on the election promises.

Actually, PR didn’t betray the Indian Community.

We were betrayed by the people that asked us to vote for the PR blindly!

PR was just being a political organization that made use of the opportunity."

Read the full post here

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairman P. Waytha Moorthy has accused Internal Security Act detainee K. Vasantha Kumar of being a government plant.

Waytha had alleged that Vasantha Kumar was planted by the Special Branch to infiltrate Hindraf.

He said two top government officials had confirmed that Vasantha Kumar was "assigned" to break up Hindraf lawyers and the organisation at the Kamunting detention camp.

Waytha Moorthy is seeking refuge in the United Kingdom. The allegations were in a statement posted on the Hindraf website.

Vasantha Kumar's wife, K. Vickneswary, however, has come out fighting in defence of her husband.

"It does not make sense for a Special Branch member to be detained under the ISA. The rumours have been around since the day he was arrested. This is nonsense.

"I don't know why Waytha Moorthy is making such allegations. It is only causing friction among the detained leaders, which would lead to the destruction of the movement."

Vickneswary said before the Nov 25 rally, Hindraf leaders had met at lawyer P. Uthayakumar's house to discuss their plans.

"Waytha Moorthy wanted to call off the rally but it was my husband who insisted it go on. From then, there was bad blood between the two."

She accused Waytha Moorthy of "chickening out" of the rally by not posting bail when he was arrested along with Uthayakumar and V. Ganabatirau, another Hindraf member.

Police had arrested the trio on Nov 16 but Uthayakumar and Ganabatirau had posted bail and were released while Waytha Moorthy refused bail as a sign of protest and was sent to the Sungai Buloh prison.

Vickneswary said: "He wanted to play safe and avoid being implicated for organising or leading the rally.

"He ran away and allowed the other Hindraf leaders to languish in jail.

"If he is going to accuse my husband of anything, I challenge him to come back here and do it, not from a foreign land."

The organisers of the Nov 25 rally -- Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kenghadharan, Ganabatirau and Vasantha Kumar -- are detained under the ISA.

Meanwhile, Manoharan and Ganabatirau had said that they were not unhappy that they did not make it to the DAP's central executive committee.

The two were among 58 who vied for places in the party's decision-making body.

Manoharan's wife, S. Puspaneela, said one of the reasons why Manoharan could have lost badly was that she did not campaign for him at branches.

"For the Kota Alam Shah seat, I had campaigned for my husband with my children.

"This time, I just left it to the delegates," she said, adding that her husband felt all those who were elected were capable leaders.

Ganabatirau's wife, B. Buvanes-wary, said her husband did not feel sidelined.

"If (the party) didn't appreciate Hindraf, the duo would not even have been allowed to contest."

SOONER or later, the DAP's euphoria post-March 18 is going to burst.

The party has been on a roll at its 15th triennial national congress, with the re-election of the old guard, the unveiling of a multi-million ringgit new party headquarters and little challenge to the leadership as shown in the delegates' debates and polls.

But beneath the jubilation, a ripple of dissatisfaction is being generated by an unlikely source -- Hindraf.

The non-governmental organisation, which became a household name when it held a rally last November, collaborated with the party in the general election.

DAP gave the Kota Alam Shah seat in Selangor to detained Hindraf lawyer, M. Manoharan, in exchange for full backing from Hindraf to capitalise on Indian sentiments. The NGO also called on its 5,000 members to vote for the opposition in the general election.

It worked. Manoharan won the seat comfortably with a 7,184-majority, despite not campaigning even a single day's (his wife campaigned for him instead).

But the just concluded party polls in which he and another detained Hindraf leader, V. Ganabatirau, failed to be elected to DAP's central executive committee (CEC) raised the question of whether the party appreciates Hindraf's contribution.

Manoharan and Ganabatirau were two of the 58 CEC hopefuls and had garnered 105 and 106 votes respectively out of 705 votes, placing them 39th and 38th on the list.

They failed to make it to the top 20, which would have given them seats in the CEC, and Hindraf members are unhappy.

Although Karpal Singh, M. Kula-segaran and Prof P. Ramasamy were re-elected to the CEC and given meaty party positions, one man claiming to represent Ganabatirau said the Indian representation was too thin.

K.P. Samy, the main bailor for the 118 Hindraf members charged with illegal assembly and a friend of Ganabatirau's and Manoharan's, had high hopes of the two making it to the CEC.

"They only got 15 per cent of the votes," he said.

"Indians played a major role in the last general election. Hindraf played a major role. But these heroes of Hindraf were not recognised. They should be honoured.

"We don't expect victory but 15 per cent of the votes is like total rejection. We must send a strong signal to the party that it has to be racially representative."

However, re-elected party vice-chairman Kulasegaran, who had 500 votes, making him the fifth, most popular CEC candidate,said Hindraf had not been forgotten.

"They still got a sizeable number of votes," he said, adding that DAP members were practical when it came to voting in leaders who could perform for the 90,707-strong organisation.

"In fact, Hindraf came about with the controversy in late 2005 over Mount Everest climber M. Moorthy's conversion to Islam. When it first happened, who was the first to take up the case?

"It was DAP lawyers, not P. Uthayakumar (another detained Hindraf leader) and gang."

Ramasamy, who was elevated from international secretary to deputy secretary-general, said the party had always championed the Hindraf cause.

"The secretary-general of the party has repeatedly urged the release of the Hindraf detainees under the Internal Security Act. It is just that the party polls are highly competitive, that's all," he said. A delegate from Kuala Lumpur, K.A. Ramu, also denied Hindraf was being sidelined.

"With the two Hindraf CEC candidates in detention, of course, it was impossible for them to go to the branches and canvass for votes. At the end of the day, popularity matters," said Ramu.

But Samy retorted with a stinging observation.

"Manoharan could not go out and campaign in the general election. Yet he won resoundingly. How do you explain that?"

Dato Saravanan, at least they took the effort to identify that 120 temples were not in the plan, as a Deputy Minister of FT , you did not even realize this or did you?!!

The timeline aint important! What's the problem if they submitted or commented on the plan now? It;s all about our plights and for the betterment of us. Think on how to solve the matter rather than addressing the point of raising the issue.

I'm curious on your action of getting agigated on MHS's revelation than burial of temples and crematoriums on the plan?! Being a representative of Indians and under a multi racial party, your task or priority should be d welfare of Indians. You had time to comment on MHS comdemns but insufficient time to rectify and eloborate on the mistake of the plans? Whether it is registered with MHs or any indian religious groups, 120 temples been removes from the plan? Whats d logic behind this...Care to enlighten me,anyone?


Federal Territories Deputy Minister M Saravanan today slammed the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) for not channelling to the authorities sooner their complaints on why plots of land for Hindu temples and crematoriums were missing in Kuala Lumpur Draft City Plan 2020.

"There are 10 days left but you had all the time - three to four months - and now with only 10 days you are telling me that 120 temples are not in the plan... what have you been doing until the very last minute?" asked Saravanan, in an interview with Malaysiakini.

MHS president A Vaithilingam had on Thursday criticised DBKL's draft plan, pointing out that more than 120 temples and two well-known crematoriums in Sentul and Jalan Loke Yew were left out of the pioneer draft plan that aims to shape the city's future development.

Vaithilingam also accused the authorities of conspiring to get rid of the religious sites by the year 2020.

But Saravanan said the Vaithilingam should have first provided him with the list of temples affected as most old temples are registered with MHS, an Indian religious group.

"There is a proper way to go about things; first you should have listed your complaints to me and then you inform the press or do whatever you want," the deputy minister said.

"You see he must write to us asking why the temples and crematoriums are missing and then we will give them an explanation."


Saravanan also asked for reasons why the MHS did not expose the glitch and address the problem when they claim to have known about it a month ago.

"If they are aware why didn't they highlight it much sooner and knowing full well that I have taken full responsibility to protect temple privileges - why didn't they bring it up to my attention," he repeated.
‘We are not arrogant'


Saravanan said though the proposal was drafted by expert town planners, it was nevertheless still just a draft and therefore open to public criticism. He behoved KLites to highlight mistakes and issues that may later arise.

"We are not arrogant to say we already got our plan and we're going to go ahead and implement it. Of course, we will consult the experts again and if we think the whole plan is not viable we have to stop the whole thing," he said.


"He (Vaithilingam) is not an expert and neither am I... I don't know what is missing, I will have to get the details, and ask them why, if those sites are not in the map," Saravanan added.

He said the proposed draft was given to the public for their comments and feedback which would be directed to the ministry for the final decision making process. He added that he was not directly involved in the planning process as the City Hall must have the freedom to conjure up their own plans.

"DBKL must have their own plans... at this point DBKL is handling it - it is still at the draft level - DBKL will compile the complaints and send it to the ministry. We don't want to interfere at the DBKL level... let them deal with their draft (because) it has to still come up to the ministry for final decision," said Saravanan.

He also reiterated he is in the ministry as a representative of the Indian community and if the community has a problem they should write to him.

"You see the draft is man-made... there can be short falls. Even the minister and I can make mistakes. (And if we make mistakes then) there is another stage where complaints will be heard by two retired judges. "


"(And) we encourage people to provide their criticisms... we want people to point out what is wrong. After all we are doing this in their interest," said Saravanan.

HINDRAF VS MAKKAL SAKTHI?????????

Eight Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders, including national co-ordinator TS Thanenthiran, were arrested this evening after staging a protest against a splinter group outside a Chinese temple in Seberang Jaya, Penang.

The protest began around 2pm, swelling to about 200 people by the time the arrests were made. The splinter group, which also claims to represent Hindraf, was carrying out a bonfire prayer at the temple.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in town to help campaign for his coalition in the Permatang Pauh by-election, dropped by to visit the temple around 5.30pm. He chatted briefly with members of the splinter group and shook hands with some of them before leaving.

Soon after that, the demonstration got out of hand and the arrests were made around 6.30pm.

Police said the eight people, including two women, were arrested for illegal demonstration.

Hindraf chief P Waythamoorthy called Malaysiakini from London, saying that the splinter group did not represent Hindraf and the prayer ceremony was not sanctioned by the Indian rights group.

Seeking divine intervention

Bonfire organisers VK Regu had told reporters earlier that the event was organised by the Makkal Sakhti movement, which is sometimes used interchangeably with Hindraf, in collaboration with an NGO.

“We want to seek divine intervention to secure the release of the five Hindraf leaders detained under the Internal Security Act,” he said, adding that the event was also to urge Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat to fulfil Hindraf’s 18-point memorandum on Indian affairs submitted to Abdullah last year.

Shortly after, Regu was confronted by the 10 Hindraf activists and a shouting match erupted between the two groups before the protest began.

The Hindraf activist claimed that the bonfire organisers were out to confuse Indian voters in Permatang Pauh by engaging Abdullah at the event.

The demonstration began immediately after Abdullah left the event with protesters shouting “reformasi” and “long live Anwar” before they were dispersed by the police.

Thought the issue would be swept under the carpet. I wazs wrong and I'm happy for being wrong:) Thanks Dr.Wee Ka Siong.

GEORGE TOWN: The teacher who allegedly uttered racial slurs against a group of Indian students in Banting, Selangor, will be transferred out of the state next week, said Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said this was among the disciplinary measures decided following the completion of a domestic inquiry on the matter recently.

"The teacher, who is currently suspended from school and doing clerical work in the Selangor Education Department, has been undergoing two-week counselling.

"She has been reprimanded and given a stern warning. The teacher has promised that the incident will not recur," he told newsmen during a break at the MCA Youth 19th Central Committee meeting at Hotel Equatorial on Saturday.

Dr Wee said when the teacher was initially transferred to another school which happened to be near her home pending the inquiry, certain quarters deemed it as a promotion.

"This is not true. It was not a promotion. The shift was only a temporary one. We view the case very seriously. Although the parents of the students involved accepted the teacher's apology, the case had spread widely among the Indian community.

"A school is a place to instil racial harmony and mutual understanding. It shouldn't be used as a zone to quarrel. The ministry is constantly monitoring for such situations which will lead to misunderstandings and racial insensitivities," he added.

Two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang had lodged police reports against the teacher, alleging that she had made derogatory remarks about Indian students and called them unflattering names on July 18.

On Aug 4, several angry parents and other members of the Indian community gathered outside the school to protest the teacher's alleged remarks.

As usual their action always would be the last among others.. ain't u being a lil too late to voice out...? nevertheless, appreciated for the effort taken!

MIC Youth education bureau has begged to differ with the Education Ministry that the issue involving a teacher who hurled racial abuses against her Indian students has been resolved.

Bureau chief M Saravanan voiced his dissatisfaction that no stern action had been taken against the 35-year-old teacher despite numerous calls to do so from various quarters.

“Parents, MIC and NGOs are unhappy with this and want the ministry to take severe action against the teacher. Failure to do so will only cause more anger,” he told Malaysiakini yesterday.

Saravanan was responding to education director-general Alimuddin Mohd Dom who was quoted as saying in the Star on Thursday that the teacher had been given an administrative warning and transferred to another school.

This youth leader - who shares the same name and initial as the deputy FT minister as well as MIC's information chief - said all parties agreed that the issue had been resolved and hoped that they would not raise the issue again.

“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 added.

Alimuddin also revealed that the teacher was placed temporarily in the Selangor education department’s counselling unit.

‘Everybody knows she was wrong’

Meanwhile, Saravanan said this was not an isolated incident and therefore the action taken must serve as a lesson for other teachers not to repeat the offence.

“Everybody knows the teacher committed a serious offence, but even under such circumstances no serious action has been taken,” he said, expressing both disappointment and bewilderment.

Saravanan stressed that the education bureau will continue to raise this issue if the ministry did not act accordingly.

He also said that Murugiah had told a recent meeting on the issue that the transfer was only a temporary measure and a more serious punishment would be meted out.

“However, this has not happened,” he said, adding that the deputy minister should have pursued this matter further.

Early this month, two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat filed police reports against the teacher.

They revealed that the teacher had called Indian students 'keling pariah', 'Negro' and 'black monkeys', among other derogatory names.

In their reports, the Form Four and Form Five students said the teacher also told students during class that 'Indians came from dogs', Indians are 'children of prostitutes' and the community is 'stupid'.

She also supposedly stated that the community's youths 'do not have testicles', 'always menstruate' and indulge in 'thuggery and theft'.

MIC leaders, including its president S Samy Vellu, and various NGOs had expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry and called for stern action to be taken against the teacher.

A MIC deputy minister had also suggested that the teacher be sacked.

A 57-year-old man has threatened to sue Muhammad Shafee Abdullah for uttering the racist slur ‘pariah' in a televised press conference a few days ago, unless the lawyer publicly apologises to the Indian community.
MCPX
Unemployed A Retanam from Sitiawan, Perak has lodged a police report accusing Muhammad Shafee Abdullah of being a racist and hurting the sentiments of the Indian community by repeatedly attacking blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin with the word ‘pariah' in the news conference last Sunday.

He lodged the report against the lawyer at the Lumut police station on Tuesday, calling on him to apologise to the Indian community in the next three days.

"Otherwise, I will sue him on behalf of all Indian Malaysians," he told Malaysiakini.

Retanam said he came to Penang with the sole purpose of giving a statement to Malaysiakini, which he believed will make his complaint public.

"I have tried giving my statement to other mainstream press in Perak, but none dared to publish it," he said.

Retanam passed a copy of his police report to Malaysiakini today and said a Bukit Aman investigating officer recorded his statement via telephone a few hours after he had lodged the report.

A ‘sensitive' word

Retanam complained that Muhammad Shafee had indiscriminately used the word ‘pariah' several times when verbally attacking Raja Petra at a news conference, and claimed that Indians sentiments in country have been hurt by the lawyer's racist slur.

Although it has been accepted as an English term to describe an outcast of society, Retanam said ‘pariah' was a Tamil word reserved for low-caste Indians and indiscriminate public usage of the word was considered ‘sensitive' to the community.

"I am giving Muhammad Shafee a three-day ultimatum.

"After which, I will initiate legal proceedings against him if he refuses to make a public apology for hurting the community's sentiments," said Retanam.

Muhammad Shafee had held the press conference to deny Raja Petra's allegation that he had a hand in a sodomy conspiracy against Anwar Ibrahim. The furious lawyer had called the blogger various names and repeatedly used the word ‘pariah.'

Last Wednesday, the High Court ordered Raja Petra to reveal the source of the allegations against Muhammad Shafee in three online articles relating to the sodomy charge against Anwar.

KLANG: More cases of teachers picking on Indian students here have emerged.

Several parents of children attending a primary school here have lodged police reports since November last year alleging that five teachers in the school had physically and verbally abused Indian students.

R. Sathasnam, 52, said he and another parent had complained to the school’s administration repeatedly but the abuses continued.

He alleged that these five teachers regularly hit the students and told them to transfer out of the school, as they (the teachers) were “fed-up of seeing their faces”.

“One of the teachers called some Indian students derogatory names ,” alleged Sathasnam.

He alleged that many Indian students were slapped, kicked, punched and caned by these teachers for misdemeanours such as talking while lining-up to enter the classroom.

“My 10-year-old son was lifted-up by the ears by a male teacher and slapped and kicked for talking before entering the classroom after recess in February,” alleged Sathasnam.

He claimed his son’s ears turned blue-black and his cheeks swelled after the beating. When he rushed his son to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, the doctor there advised him to file a police report.

Another parent R. Viganaspary, 40, said her son was repeatedly hit on the head with a rolled-up newspaper and caned on the legs for not having a particular exercise book.

Meanwhile, Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who met Sathasnam and Viganaspary recently, said the coalition would present a memorandum on the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.

“These are young impressionable children and the alleged incidents will only teach them to hate,” said Gunaraj.

When contacted, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator T. Murugiah said he would speak to the principal next week when school reopens.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said he would comment only after he had seen copies of the police reports.

The alleged incident in the primary school comes on the heels of the transfer of a teacher from a secondary school in Banting. The teacher is facing an inquiry after she admitted to levelling racial slurs against Indian students.

Despite talks and promises by certain political party, the teacher had been let off with a warning which I don't see as sufficient and the punishment meted out is just a transfer and counseling.

To all Politicians whom articulated that they would make sure the she would be punished sternly, will not let her be “rewarded” and they will do it their way, what is your next move? Forgive and Forget, Again?

This is a very annoying situation that should be remedied immediately. I wonder how the Education Dept could give her a warning only after hearing her unacceptable explanation “I did not expect things to become so serious”! Bravo Education Ministry, for accepting her explanation.

Racism is inbuilt and must be dealt with through education; particularly multicultural education or multiethnic studies. This shows how rotten our education system is especially in training teachers!

After all these years of Independence, dismally, we have still not evolved much in the way we perceive each other. Our education system has failed miserably in promoting the wonders and the wisdom of the cultures of the people of Malaysia.

Oh ya, please do not give us the bullshit “only one black sheep” because such excuses should not be given at all. This is not the first and will never be the last. Firm actions should take place to stop all these nonsense from occurring again. Racism should have never existed in Malaysia.

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.

PETALING JAYA: The teacher who allegedly uttered racial slurs against a group of students will undergo counselling at the Selangor education department.

She would also temporarily carry out administrative duties at the department's counselling unit.

Education Ministry director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the case was now considered closed after the students and their parents reached an amicable settlement with the teacher.

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 that she had called them unflattering names.

In a statement, Alimuddin said the Kuala Langat district education office with the help of Senator T. Murugiah, had arranged for a meeting between the parties involved on Aug 5.

He said the disciplinary committee had also recommended that the teacher be slapped with a warning and transferred to another school soon.

BANTING: The Coalition of Indian Non-Governmental Organisations wants the Education Ministry to suspend the teacher who made racist comments against her students.

Its secretary, G. Gunaraj, said yesterday he did not understand why the teacher, who had admitted to using derogatory words on her students, had not been suspended.

"Even if the ministry needs to investigate the case further, the teacher should be suspended, pending the outcome of the inquiry."

He said the ministry should emulate the action of the Health Ministry which suspended a doctor from University Malaya Medical Centre from clinical duties for allegedly slapping a patient last week.

"We commend the Health Ministry for acting decisively.

The same cannot be said about the Education Ministry which seems to be dragging its feet."

The teacher, from a school in Banting, was transferred to a smart school nearer home following the allegations from her students.

Two police reports have also been lodged by students who have engaged a lawyer to sue the teacher for defamation.

I AM not a racist. I do not make judgments based upon the colour of one’s skin or the happen stance of one’s birth. I am not a sexist. I am not a homophobe.

I am not chauvinistic in any way or form. In fact, I hold an equal disdain towards almost all of humanity. Regardless.


This week, my lack of faith was given rise by that schoolteacher in Klang who allegedly made racist remarks towards her students, by the reactions of the authorities, and even that of the public. It was all just one giant conspiracy to raise my blood pressure.


Words aren’t immoral, actions are.


To call her a racist and a bigot is, in my opinion, going too far. In some ways, it’s giving her too much credit.


It would have required a lot more thought than her justifications displayed.


Her actions seem to stem from foolishness rather than any sort of premeditated and organised bigotry.


What she said and did was incredibly dumb. There’s no denying it.


If only being ignorant was a crime.

If education is indeed the nostrum to all that afflicts us as a society, then surely its purveyors should be the best and the brightest. It is a simple logical progression. Children emulate.


They repeat what they see. They do as they’re taught. Stupid is as stupid does.


The quality of education that our children receive is solely dependent upon the quality of their teachers.


Alas, such logic has no place in reality.


Instead, we fill our schools with the average and the mediocre and expect miracles. We fill our schools with all those who failed to do what they wanted to in the first place, and second place, and third place. How can we expect those with shattered dreams to fuel the aspirations of those still dreaming? As formy teachers, I remember all of them. I remember the bad ones.


The ones whowere always last to arrive and first to leave. The ones who would come in every morning and look as lost as the rest of us. The ones who seemed to have no idea what they were doing. I remember the ones who would shout, and scream, and single me out with their negative remarks. Boy do I remember them.


They’re the ones that leave a lasting impression. They’re the ones that teach you how to hold a grudge.


But then there were the great ones.


How I loved them. Those wonderful souls that inspired me and fired me with enthusiasm. The ones who instilled within me a deeper understanding and passion. The ones who pushed me. The ones who challenged me. The ones who went above and beyond the call. The ones who were so much more than just schoolteachers.


I remember them. They were a hundred different things all at the same time. They were educators, counsellors, and part-time parents.


They were governesses, gurus, and guides. Coaches and trainers. They were superheroes. And much like superheroes, they seem to have been relegated to the realm of fiction and f antasy.


I remember a time, and not too long ago,whena bad teacherwas the exception and not the rule. These days, however, only needles and haystacks come to mind.


Great teachers love their students.


They expect the best from them.


They expect that all of them can and will achieve. The don’t give up on any child, regardless. Great teachers engage.


They exhibit an expertise in the subjects they are teaching and are constantly learning themselves.


Great teachers form relationships with their students. They care about them and treat them like human beings.


Great teachers are warm and approachable. Great teachers are professional at all times. But most of all, great teachers are committed.


The bad ones, on the other hand, should be.


More than ever, we need to seek out our great teachers. We need to discover what makes them tick. We need to find out what motivates them.


What makes them return to work, day after day, for so little glory, and even less money. It could be as simple as a caring attitude and a love of lear ning.


It could be nothing more than a desire to make a difference in the lives of the young. But whatever it is, we need to be able to measure it, reproduce it, and teach it. God knows we need to be able to pass it on.


We need to raise the bar of those entering the métier. We have to come up with new and novelways to entice our top graduates into the profession.


I realise that teaching expects you to work in poor conditions and for a soul-crushing salary. I realise that it isn’t the most competitive choice for our nation’s brightest. But teaching should never be a last resort. The responsibility of educating our young should not be consigned to the failures of society. It should be in the hands of our most able.

KUANTAN: The Syariah High Court yesterday approved the application of a Muslim convert, Jeffrey Or Abdullah @ Or Boon Hua, to renounce Islam.

Judge Datuk Abdul Rahman Yunos made the decision after deliberating on the testimonies by four witnesses produced by the 36-year-old contractor, who was represented by counsel Mohd Hisyam Abdul Rahim.

However, Abdul Rahman said the decision would only take effect 14 days from yesterday to allow others, including Muslim organisations, to file a petition against it.

He also ordered Or's conversion card and his status as a Muslim under the National Registration Department to be cancelled, while the State Religious Council must register Or as a non-Muslim.

He added that there was no clear provision on the matter under the present state Islamic laws and it was up to the Syariah Court to make its decision.

In Or's case, he said the applicant admitted that he embraced Islam just because he wanted to marry a Muslim woman and had never learnt or practised the true teachings of Islam.

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders have confirmed that they will be contesting central executive committee (CEC) posts at the DAP national congress later this month.

Kota Alam Shah state assemblyman M. Manoharan, 47, and V. Ganabatirau, 35, will be doing so at the congress on Aug 23 and 24.

The duo, together with R. Kengadharan, 41, P. Uthayakumar, 47, and K. Vasantha Kumar, 35, are being detained under the Internal Security Act at the Kamunting detention centre.

Manoharan's wife, S. Pushpaneela, said she would be campaigning for her husband who is also the EHSAN branch chairman.

She, however, urged the media not to refer to him as a Hindraf leader as he was merely a legal adviser to Hindraf.

"My husband has always been a DAP man," she added.

A total of 58 candidates are expected to be vying for the 20 CEC posts.

DAP's Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh, Lim Guan Eng, Dr Tan Seng Giaw, Fong Kui Lun, Tan Kok Wai and M. Kulasegaran will be in the fray.

Karpal's sons, Gobind Singh Deo and Jagdeep Singh Deo, will also contest.

More than 900 delegates are expected to attend the congress.

Looks like no stern action would be taken and the investigation would prolong till the issue is forgotten

THE teacher who allegedly used racial slurs on students in a school in Banting was temporarily transferred to another school pending investigations.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the 35-year-old teacher was moved to a school nearer to her house as the school needed a replacement Mathematics teacher.

Speaking at Parliament lobby yesterday, Hishammuddin said he had directed his deputy, Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, to handle the matter.

He said he would not tolerate racial abuse in schools, but did not want the teacher to be falsely accused.

MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said there was a misunderstanding among the Indian community that the teacher was "rewarded" as she had been transferred to a school closer to her home.

Subramaniam said: "The Indians feel like the government is not taking any action against the teacher.

"However, I've been told by the education minister that the transfer was made to ensure the teacher's safety."

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

KLANG: Former Klang MIC division chief Alex Thiagarasan officially applied to join the DAP in a simple ceremony held at Dewan Hamzah here yesterday.

Thiagarasan handed his form together with 1,000 membership applications to Selangor exco member and DAP stalwart Ronnie Liu at the event.

About 500 people, most of them Thiagarasan’s supporters from the MIC, attended the event.

According to Thiagarasan, more people would have attended but did not do so after receiving a hoax SMS alleging that the event had been postponed.

“We found out later that many people had received an SMS stating the ceremony had been postponed due to the by-election in Permatang Pauh,” said Thiagarasan.

“The SMS was aimed at sabotaging the occasion,” alleged Thiagarasan.

When asked what his expectations were should his application be approved, Thiagarasan said: “I have no expectations. I just need a good platform to serve the community and I believe that the DAP can offer me this.”

Liu said Thiagarasan would be handing over 500 membership application forms later this week, and it would take about two months for all the applications to be processed.

HINDU temples and the crematorium in the Kuala Lumpur area had been left out in the draft of the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan by City Hall recently, according to Malaysian Hindu Sangam president A. Vaithilingam, the Malaysia Nanban said in a front page report.

He said that it was disheartening to note that the names of some temples in the Pudu area had been left out and nothing had been stated about the crematorium in Jalan Loke Yew.

He said that it was not proper for the authorities to remove the crematorium in the name of development.

He said the non-allocation of places for the Indian community to conduct religious rites for the dead reflected City Hall's insensitivity towards the Indian community.

He said that a meeting had been scheduled to be held on Tuesday at the Auditorium Tan Sri Soma in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the flaws and the recommendations to be made to City Hall.

By : DR A. SOORIAN, Seremban

IT was shocking to read about Banting police chief Superintendent Muhammad Radzi Ishak's opinion about the teacher who verbally abused students with racial slurs in a school in Selangor.

It was reported that she was being transferred owing to concerns for her safety, and not because she had committed an offence. ("Suit may follow after classroom furore" -- NST, Aug 13).

Radzi said: "The teacher would not face any charges as police did not not consider the 'incident' as a criminal case."

I beg to differ. Parliament had laboured late into the night enacting laws to maintain the delicate harmony among the races in our multiracial and multireligious country.

The Sedition Act stands out conspicuously in this respect. The law is unambiguous in the sense that one is said to run foul of it if one incites hatred among the races by uttering words that impinge on the sensitivities of the race or religion of the persons concerned.

The district police chief should have immediately opened up a file on the teacher and commenced investigations under the act instead of dismissing the sordid episode.

He should be aware that there is no time limit into the investigation of crime. Although he had referred the matter to the Education Department for disciplinary action, it does not preclude him from investigating the incident under the all-embracing Sedition Act in the interest of justice for society.

Transferring the teacher to another school nearer her home "for her safety" is making a mockery of the whole incident.

Other teachers who fail to get a transfer to a school nearer home despite making formal applications would be tempted to take a cue from this embattled teacher.

The prosecution of the teacher under the Sedition Act would be a deterrent to others. What is the point in enacting laws if we are reluctant to enforce them?

Finally........

BANTING: The education minister has been urged to intervene in the case of
the teacher who used racial slurs on students at a secondary school here.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the party and the community could not accept that the 35-year-old teacher 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.

He 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 Datuk Seri 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.

The teacher not only degraded the community but also exhibited intolerance which does not augurwell 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.

THE STAR

WE rightly hold teachers to high, even impossible, standards because they are charged with moulding minds and developing character.

This is what makes the behaviour of the teacher accused of racism even more reprehensible and unacceptable. It is conduct unbecoming of an educator, which is why the condemnation has been appropriate in its vehemence. This should not have happened, but since it did, she should be made to face up to the fact that she did something grievously wrong. The parents have rightly demanded action. But it is, nevertheless, a matter of some regret that the apology and the transfer of the teacher have been judged inadequate to ease the pain of the slurs. It seems that some want her out of the profession, and others want to put her in the dock. While the teacher should certainly be held accountable for her actions, it would, however, seem that the nature of the disciplinary action to be taken should best be left to the authorities to decide, in accordance with departmental policy and procedures in such matters. In any case, the principle of letting the punishment fit the crime should apply.

Moreover, the issue at hand is not just to make sure that she pays for her offending epithets. It is clear that while she is no longer in the school, and may no longer be in any classroom as some wish, no one is out of the woods. Now that the whole community, and not just the school population has been affected, the bigger question is what should be done to heal the wounds and make sure that tensions do not reach a boiling point. As it is, as the story continues to play out in the media, it is clear that more people than the teacher are in great need of sensitivity and tolerance training. What is most worrying is that instead of showing racism the red card, there has been a propensity to play the race card. It is a matter of concern that some have chosen to succumb to the temptation to grandstand instead of rising to the occasion and mediate to resolve the situation.

It would be both foolish and dangerous to sweep the matter under the carpet. Like other major issues facing the nation today, racism must be faced squarely, fought on many fronts and by all segments of the community. But it must be done responsibly, with great care and restraint, lest it stokes the fires instead of dousing the flames of intolerance and bigotry.

BANTING: The students who were verbally abused with racial slurs at a school here will be suing the teacher for defaming them and the community.

They have appointed a lawyer, S.N.
Pathmanabhan, who is expected to file the case soon.

The lawyer would also be writing to the Education Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Department to ask for an explanation on the so called “punishment” meted out on the teacher.

The teacher, from SM Telok Panglima Garang, was transferred to a smart school located nearer to her home after the furore.

It is also understood that her letter of transfer stated that she was being transferred due to concerns for her safety, and not because she had committed an offence.

Meanwhile, district police chief Superintendent Muhammad Radzi Ishak said the teacherwould not face any charges as police did not consider the “incident” as a criminal case.

“We have taken statements from the teacher and students who lodged police reports, but referred the matter to the Education Department for further action,” Radzi said.

Telok Panglima Garang Tamil Association committee member Muthamil Selvan also urged the Education Ministry to take severe action against the teacher.

Muthamil, who was speaking on behalf of the parents of the students involved, said they would give the ministry an opportunity to act before considering what to do next.

Coalition of Indian NGOs secretary G. Gunaraj said the ministry should have suspended the teacher while the inquiry into the case was being carried out.

He said this was the normin cases involving civil servants and asked why this teacher was being treated differently.

In the incident last month, the teacher allegedly told Form Four students she “wanted to test their level of patience” and began abusing them with derogatory words.

She even wrote the words on the blackboard.

Two students later lodged police reports against her.

Several days earlier, she had allegedly entered a Form Five class and called students of a certain race by a derogatory word.

She also accused them of being gangsters and thieves. She was al - leged to have ordered the boys to do push-ups. When some of them could not do so, she allegedly stomped on their backs.

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

I wonder what took them so long to voice out their opinion...


KUALA LUMPUR: The teacher who used racial slurs on students of a school in Banting should be sacked, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department S.K. Devamani.

He said this would send home the message that the authorities would not tolerate such actions. The Cameron Highlands Member of Parliament said the teacher should not be let off lightly with a transfer and reprimand.

Speaking after the MIC central working committee here yesterday, Devamani said the teacher's actions could affect the relationship between parents of students and the school.

Meanwhile, MIC Youth chief T. Mohan will send a memorandum to Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein on the movement's dissatisfaction over action taken against the teacher.

He said the youth wing had also received reports from parents on cases of students being subjected to racial slurs.

Read full Post : MIC Youth bureau: 'Racist' teacher deserves sterner lesson

The MIC Youth education bureau is irked by how a teacher who hurled stinging racial remarks at her students had been let off the hook.
The 35-year-old teacher had since been transferred to a smart school located closer to her house, but the bureau argued that this was not a form of punishment at all.

In a statement, bureau chief M Saravanan expressed dissatisfaction with the Education Ministry regarding this matter.

"This is an issue which touches on racial sentiments. It does not involve an individual but refers to a large number of Indian students.

"The teacher’s apology to the students and parents involved is not the best solution and does not diminish the gravity of her action," he said.

"Transferring (to another school) is not a form of punishment or harsh (enough) punishment for a teacher who crossed the boundaries," he added.

Minister must explain

In a related development, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang described the incident as the latest episode to mar the 51st Merdeka celebrations in less than three weeks time.

The Ipoh Timur MP said it highlighted the many failures in nation-building despite the government budgeting tens of millions of ringgit for this occasion.

"Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein should explain to Parliament, the nation and the voters of Permatang Pauh why the Education Ministry is condoning the unforgivable misbehaviour of a history teacher who repeatedly made racist, derogatory and even unprintable slurs against Indian students and the Indian community in class.

"By giving the delinquent teacher a "better deal" for her disgraceful misbehaviour, the Education Ministry is sending out a wrong and completely unacceptable message to all teachers as well as making a total mockery the legitimate protests of the parents and the Coalition of Malaysians Indian NGOs who had protested against the teacher's misconduct," he said in a statement.

The opposition politician also asked if Hishammuddin was unfit to demand that teachers should be exemplary model Malaysians to the new generation of students rising above race and religion when he himself has failed so miserably on this score with his three "keris-wielding" episodes.

Personally, this is a hard situation for me to comprehend because I, honestly, think racism is idiotic. I was not raised by my family to think that any race is supreme. I was taught that we are all humans. I was shocked and dismayed when this issue was brought to public. I took a great interest in knowing the updates of this issue expecting for the teacher to get severe punishment. Alas, she got away easily. Today, reading the updates by NST on this issue made me thinking of signing up for anger management course!

"The 35-year-old history teacher from SM Telok Panglima Garang was not only transferred to a smart school but to one located nearer her house.

To add insult to injury, no disciplinary action was taken against her.

It is understood that her letter of transfer stated that she was being transferred due to concerns for her security and not because she had committed an offence." WTF?

I have people whom commented saying give time to MOE, we can't fire a government staff, she should be given a second chance, and the worst: forgive and move on! It is a lil reasonable to forgive if she was transferred to a Tamil school or disciplinary action taken but NOPE, she was transferred to a SMART School and Nearby to her HOME! Malaysia is a multiracial country, respect each race and above all, we are Malaysians. How could we let go this issue? When PAS could come up with the brilliant idea asking to ban Avril Lavigne Concert, why can't they voice up their opinion on this issue, is it because she is Malay? What the hell people from BN and BR are doing? Busy with Permatang Pauh by election?

I honestly am at a loss…how does one respond to such situation? How do you deal with such blatant bigotry?

Racial abuse teacher gets 'a better deal' - NST

BANTING: It obviously pays to hurl racial abuse at students, going by what happened to the teacher who did so at a school here.

The 35-year-old history teacher from SM Telok Panglima Garang was not only transferred to a smart school but to one located nearer her house.

To add insult to injury, no disciplinary action was taken against her.

It is understood that her letter of transfer stated that she was being transferred due to concerns for her security and not because she had committed an offence.

Several parents and non-governmental organisations gathered in front of the school yesterday demanding an explanation from the headmaster for letting her off with just a slap on the wrist.

However, the headmaster refused to meet them, saying the matter was no longer related to the school since the teacher had been transferred.

Coalition of Indian NGOs secretary G. Gunaraj said the transfer showed the teacher had got away scot-free.

"In fact, she even got a better deal. She is now in a better school and one that is nearer to her house."

He said this set a dangerous precedent as others may think they too can get away scot-free uttering racial slurs.

He said the Education Ministry should be serious in tackling the issue as what the teacher had done could affect racial harmony.

Gunaraj said some teachers in the school were blaming the affected students for lack of a history teacher.

"This should not be the case. Does it mean that students should keep quiet, no matter what a teacher does?"

In the incident last month, the teacher allegedly told students of a certain ethnic group in a Form Four class that she "wanted to test their level of patience" and then began abusing them with derogatory words.

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

Several days earlier, she had allegedly entered a Form Five class and called the students using a derogatory word. She also accused them of being gangsters and thieves.

She was also alleged to have ordered the boys to do push-ups. When some of them could not do so, she allegedly stomped on their backs.

Last Monday, nearly 500 parents and members of the public gathered to protest in front of the school.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the ministry had instructed the State Education Department to initiate an inquiry and that the teacher "had some explaining to do".

State Education director Ashah Samah said she had wanted to transfer the person out of the state but had acceded to a request from the teacher to remain in the district.

She said the transfer letter was issued by the district education department and that she would investigate claims that security had been stated as the reason for the move

THE Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation, a voluntary organisation formed two years ago to help Indian youths with problems, does not intend join any political party.

President S.A. Vickneswaran, the former MIC Youth chief, told Malaysia Nanban the organisation received support from individuals who were not affiliated to any political party.

He said the main aim of the foundation was to ensure that youngsters were given proper guidance and help when they faced difficulties in life. He said youths were welcomed to join the foundation irrespective of their political affiliation.

Vickneswaran said that when he was the parliamentary secretary to the Youth and Sports Ministry, he had coordinated a meeting with 60 Indian organisations after the Hindraf gathering to identify the reasons and the solutions which needed to be taken.

He said the foundation aimed to unite all Indian youths in the country by organising voluntary services in the community.

Don't Sweep it Under the Carpet - Punish Her! by Mr.Murugesan, MIC CWC Member n Deputy Coordinator, MIC Youth ( read the full post)

"Racist Remarks

I heard of the first issue a few days before it was exposed in the media. The newly appointed MIC Youth Education Bureau Chairman, Mr. M. Saravanan (not the Deputy Minister YB DatoSaravanan) brought to my attention the concerns of some parents from SM Teluk PanglimaGarang about a certain teacher who had repeatedly scolded students with racist remarks and used harsh punishment methods.

Saravanan was given a free hand to handle the issue. After discussing with the parents, he brought NTV7 together with other members of the media that cared to come to the school. I believe some NGOs were also involved. What the teacher said and did is well known by now and there is no need to repeat it here.

Subsequent to the exposure, other political big guns descended on the issue and attempted to settle the matter with a handshake. That's the Malaysian spirit! Settle a matter with a handshake... or are we sweeping dirt under the carpet?

Here is a teacher who has been entrusted to educate and nurture our children to be good citizens. She is not an ordinary lady, sorry, woman that we bumped into at the pasar malam and shouted racial abuses at us. She is a teacher. A role model. Paid salary with the tax-payers money. Our money.

The latest I heard was that she will be transferred to a nearby school and from what I understand, a school of equal standing with the one that she is being transferred away from.

How is transfer a solution when she has not been punished for her transgression? She actually got away scot-free! People are given the impression that action has been taken when no real action has been taken. What assurance do we have that she will not repeat it at the new school? Transfer her again?

As I write, the MIC Youth Education Bureau will be calling for a press conference together with the parents and the PIBG representatives to demand that disciplinary action be taken against the teacher. Hopefully, the non-Tamil media will also carry the story.

So far the teacher had not denied her action nor openly apologized for it. That being the case, how are we to tolerate or condone such racial remarks from a teacher? She had breached the Government's Standing Order and as a government servant, disciplinary action must be taken against her. What message are we sending to our students? What is the signal we are sending to other civil servants by our inaction?

On the same issue, another cause for concern is the deafening silence by our Malays brothers both from BN and BR. We could have sent a clear signal that we are moving away from racial politics if any of our Malay brothers had stood up and said what she did was wrong. As simple as that. Please tell me if there had been any such statement as I could have missed it.

Although the issue might be viewed as minor by some, MIC Youth had taken a stand on it. We have for far too long settled problems with a handshake without dealing with the real issue. Unresolved issues will rear its ugly head as another problem at another time. "

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat is being immature by complaining about the opening of 11 Barisan Nasional service centres in Seremban, said MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel.

“What is wrong with this? Isn’t the ultimate aim to serve the rakyat?

“The Pakatan Rakyat should be more mature,” he said via an SMS on Saturday.

On Friday, three Pakatan leaders lodged a report with the Anti-Corruption Agency alleging state funds were being used to pay the salaries of newly appointed Barisan liaison officers.

The three – state DAP chairman Anthony Loke Siew Fook, PKR Sikamat assemblyman Aminuddin Harun and state PAS commissioner Zulkefly Mohamad Omar – represented 15 opposition assemblymen in lodging the report at the state agency headquarters.

Loke, who is Rasah MP and Lobak assemblyman, said it was improper that 11 Barisan service centres were set up in opposition-held constituencies not long after Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced the withdrawal of allowances for state assemblymen.

Palanivel said: “If the Pakatan Rakyat can open more service centres, surely PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim can help with funding?

“A two-party system is meant to benefit the rakyat better. This kind of fighting between parties without bothering about the rakyat just reveals the Pakatan Rakyat members might be Barisan 'rejects'.

SANDAKAN: A stepfather was arrested for allegedly raping his three-year-old stepdaughter.

Sandakan district police chief Asst Comm Rosli Mohd Isa confirmed the arrest of a local man in his 30s at his house in Kampung Karamunting and said that police were investigating the man for incest.

The incident came to light when the victim’s aunt took the child to a private clinic after the victim had a fever at about 11am on Saturday.

The clinic immediately referred the child to Duchess of Kent Hospital for further medical examination on suspecting abuse.

A medical examination indicated that the child had an infection and her stepfather was suspected of sexually abusing her.

The aunt lodged a police report and the stepfather was arrested at 11.45pm on Saturday.

PETALING JAYA: Federal Territory PAS Youth has been slammed for calling for a ban on the upcoming concert by popular Canadian rocker Avril Lavigne, with Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) describing the move as “ridiculous”.

Its president Freddie Fernandez criticised the move, saying: “This is the most ridiculous thing to do – to ask for a cancellation of such a decent performer like Avril Lavigne.

“Avril's music is very popular here. PAS Youth should never deprive Malaysians of the chance to watch the concert.”

The concert has been set for Aug 29 at Stadium Merdeka.


World Tour: Avril will be performing at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 29. — AP

Fernandez said PAS Youth was trying to impose their narrow values on the country, forgetting that Malaysia is a multicultural nation.

“PAS Youth should really take a good look at themselves and examine whether what they are doing is correct,” he said.

“Their narrow-mindedness will definitely not get the support of the rakyat. They are always looking at the world through blinkers. They cannot see any other point of view except theirs.”

He said Karyawan would be calling for a meeting with all concert promoters to have a stand once and for all to ask for the Government not to entertain ridiculous requests and demands of such unreasonable people.

On Saturday, Federal Territory PAS Youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamed handed over a memorandum to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Hakim Borhan and the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry calling for a ban on the concert.

The PAS wing is asking the authorities to ban the show because “rock and punk is not suitable for the young generation and especially so during Merdeka month.”

Galaxy Group spokesman said the rocker would comply with regulations here during her concert.

“There is absolutely no problem with her image, costumes and showmanship,” he added.

“Avril’s management is aware of this and they have told us to handle the issue properly,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be the cause of his own downfall in Permatang Pauh, People's Progressive Party Youth chief T. Murugiah said yesterday.bHe said the electorate would reject Anwar because of his disregard for peace and harmony in the country. "Malaysians do not want a leader who always holds street demonstrations. This is not our culture and if this continues, our harmony and our nation will crumble," Murugiah said. He added that he would lead a team from PPP Youth to ensure a BN victory. "We will campaign from house to house from nomination day."

As a first step towards tackling problem, solve the racism issue of the history teacher, pls.

SUNGAI PETANI, Sat.:

The MIC will shed the racial approach and adopt a multi-racial stance in dealing with the people’s problems, said party president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

He said problems facing the Indian community could only be resolved through a non-racist approach, as evident after the 2008 general election.

Samy Vellu said there must be understanding and respect among all races and a new give-and-take attitude.

“The MIC will continue to fight for the Indian community when its rights are infringed. But we will only ask what is rightfully ours, without infringing on the rights of the other communities,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, the MIC chief had opened the second phase of the party’s re-branding exercise here involving hundreds of branch chairmen and party workers from Kedah and Penang.

He said the aim of the re-branding exercise was to allow branch leaders to put their minds together on how to re-build the party and regain the confidence of the Indians.

Samy Vellu added that the brainstorming session would also be used to chart strategies to face the Permatang Pauh by-election in Penang on Aug 26.

" MIC lost all the seats in Penang, MIC should try their level best to gain the support of Indians in Penang. By confidently saying that they have indians support in Penang is not right. MIC should try their level best to gain the Indian support, n i hope they will"

KANGAR: The Barisan Nasional will face a tough challenge in the Permatang Pauh by-election, MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Samy Vellu said.

The party has pledged to support the BN machinery in the parliamentary constituency, which is regarded as a stronghold of Parti Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"Anwar is not an ordinary person, but we have nothing to be afraid of," he said.

Samy Vellu said the Indian community and all BN component parties would rally behind whoever was chosen as the BN candidate.

"The Indian community has given its fullest support to the government, and I am sure it will continue to do so. This will be proven in the by-election."

Samy Vellu planned to meet the 3,300 Indian voters in Permatang Pauh to deal with each of their grievances.

"We know what to expect in this by-election and we will not take anything for granted.

"We are coming up with strategies to deal with all possibilities regarding the by-election," he said after opening the new state MIC building in Taman Sena Indah here yesterday.

The Indian community makes up 5.7 per cent of the 58,449 voters in Permatang Pauh.

SUNGAI PETANI: The MIC party elections next year is on as scheduled despite the on-going rebranding exercise.

Its president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said it was important for the branch and division leaders to know the reason for the rebranding.

"The MIC elections will be held as scheduled next year and the rebranding is necessary for us to serve the community better," he said after launching the nationwide rebranding exercise starting with Kedah MIC here yesterday.

"They should touch base with the people in their community.

"This is aimed at strengthening the party and Barisan Nasional," he said.

On the Permatang Pauh by-election, Samy Vellu said some 3,300 party workers would help the BN candidate during the campaign for the Aug 26 by-election.

Updates :I would post the recent actions taken by anyone, political or NGO's on this issue ( the source of information is from any kind hearted souls whom take msg me.If any of my updates have mistake or need to be rectified, pls correct me, and if you have added information ,pls share). Thanks

1) G .Gunaraj, NGO would submit a petition to get her sacked
2) MIC Youth Educatin Bureau Chief MR.Saravanan submitted letter to Education Dept to get her sacked.

The history teacher were punished by only gettinge transferred to another school and undergo counseling. WTF?! Does that mean, anyone could stir a racial commotion and get away with minor punishment? Ashah claims she was a good teacher, hey, how can u make such a judgement when she abused the students and as a history teacher using racial slurs?! That stupid ignorant teacher is only 35 yet being so racist, what could happen in future? Do you actually think counseling could change her mindset and reform her?

Ashah should reconsider her idiotic judgement or someone should knock some sense into her brain.

Neither I find any logic or sense in the method of dealing this case. What happen to all the Indian MP’s (whether from MIC or Pakatan) ? Why the NGO aren’t making a big fuss over this issue? Questions and questions, I could keep on scribbling.

This issue should not be taken lightly. I insist on any Indian NGO’s or MP’s to look into this matter and demand the authority to take a stern action against the teacher.


BANTING: A secondary school teacher here has admitted to using racial slurs and verbally abusing some students.

State Education Department director Ashah Samah said the teacher admitted to saying the words when questioned yesterday.

She said the teacher would be transferred to another school in the district and would undergo counselling.

Ashah added that she would personally counsel the teacher as she felt her actions were very much against the principles and duties of a teacher.

She said the 35-year-old History teacher was good in her work and as this was her first offence, she was given a second chance.

"This should not be a case of taking revenge but to reform and to make her understand such racial sentiments were not acceptable.

"If she repeats it, then more severe action will be taken against her. We will watch her closely and may even place another teacher to sit in the class with her."

However, she admitted that finding a new school for the teacher was not an easy task as schools may be reluctant to accept a problematic teacher.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Indian Non-governmental Organisations secretary, G. Gunaraj, said transferring the teacher was not the solution.

"Moving her elsewhere is even worse as she can start the verbal abuse all over again in a different environment. She needs to undergo counselling to control her emotions.

"If she is unable to control her emotions, how can she teach?" he asked.

Another solution would be to place her in a desk job.

In the incident last month, the teacher allegedly entered a Form Five class and called the students using a derogatory word. She also accused them of being gangsters and thieves.

She was also alleged to have ordered the boys to do push-ups. When some of them could not do so, she allegedly stomped on their backs.

The second incident allegedly happened five days later in a Form Four class where she taught History. She allegedly told the students that she "wanted to test their level of patience" and began abusing them with derogatory words. She even wrote the words on the blackboard.

Two students lodged police reports against the teacher. On Monday, about 500 parents and members of the public gathered to protest in front of the school.

IPOH: Sungai Siput MP Dr D. Jeyakumar is holding the Federal Government to the promise that Opposition MPs are entitled to the yearly allocation for each parliamentary constituency.

The first-term MP, together with a group of Sungai Siput residents and non-governmental organisation members, yesterday handed in an application for RM108,000 to the state development office here.

Dr Jeyakumar said the money would go to welfare projects in his constituency, including RM50,000 to the Nurul Ihsan Welfare Orphanage, RM10,000 for the Wa Kiew Yi Shea Old Folks Home, RM5,000 for the Sungai Siput (North) Disabled People’s Association, RM35,000 to upgrade two schools and RM8,000 for community projects in the Yom, Perje, Ngawai and Landap orang asli villages.

“This is just round one and we are trying our luck,” he told reporters after submitting the application at the State Secretariat.

Dr Jeyakumar said the matter had been raised in Parliament in May and the Prime Minister had said that not only Barisan MPs were entitled to the funds.

“He said that all the Opposition MPs had to do was write to the state development offices and list what we wanted the funds for,” he said.

Dr Jeyakumar added that Barisan Nasional MPs had been receiving between RM1mil and RM2mil annually for development work in their constituencies over the past few years.

“However, as far as I know, Opposition MPs have never received such an allocation and this should not be the case.

“The money comes from taxes paid by the people. Does this mean that people who vote for the Opposition do not need to pay their taxes since Opposition MPs do not get these allocations?” he said.

Dr Jeyakumar also said that in his constituency, of the RM1mil allocated for this year, a total of RM500,000 had already been spent before the general election.

“Where the money went, you’ll have to ask the previous government.

“Now, my main intent is to apply for the remaining RM500,000 meant for my people,” he said, adding he wanted the cheques for the projects be made out to the recipients and in his name.

KUALA LUMPUR: A specialist doctor from a private hospital will not be called to court to give his opinion on the diabetic menu given to Hindraf legal adviser P. Uthayakumar who is detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

This is because Senior Federal Counsel Najib Zakaria said yesterday that he was not objecting to Dr Ong Tze Zen's letter dated July 12.

"We are only objecting to its weight and credibility," said Najib.

Dr Ong had stated in his letter that the diet given to Uthayakumar was not suitable for a diabetic patient.

Uthayakumar's counsel N. Surendran then withdrew his application to summon the consultant physician and gastroenterologist from the Kajang Specialist Hospital to give his opinion on the diabetic menu given to Uthayakumar.

On Aug 1, High Court judge Suraya Othman had rejected the application to summon Dr Ong to court for the purpose.

Uthayakumar had on May 22 filed the application stating grounds of medical neglect and endangerment of his life.

In the application, the ISA detainee had named the Internal Security Minister and the Kamunting detention camp superintendent as respondents, saying he had been denied appropriate medical treatment for his diabetic condition and heart problem.

Both parties also agreed that there would not be any more affidavits filed in court.

With that, Suraya ordered the parties to submit written submissions by Friday on the habeas corpus application by Uthayakumar and fixed Aug 14 to hear the case.

JOHOR BARU: An express bus passenger who asked to be dropped off after the Sungai Besi toll was slashed by a chopper-wielding bus driver.

The incident occurred at 10pm on Monday when he went to speak to the driver during a break at a rest area in Yong Peng.

Businessman P. Mayakrishnan, 33, who sustained cuts on his fingers said that it was a horrifying moment and all he could think about when attacked was his wife and two young children.

Mayakrishnan said he had purchased a ticket at the Larkin bus terminal here on Aug 4 after confirming with the salesperson that he could be dropped off before Puduraya in Kuala Lumpur.

“The counter staff told me to inform the driver. I was taking my father for medical treatment and was not familiar with Kuala Lumpur,” he said, adding that he took the 8.15pm bus.

Mayakrishnan said when he went to speak to the driver about dropping him off, the driver became agitated and started shouting.

“I was upset at being shouted at for no reason, and said that I would lodge a complaint with his company,” he said.

Mayakrishnan said, to his horror, the driver grabbed a big chopper that was at the side of the bus door and attacked him.

“I tried to defend myself. But as I turned to get out of the bus, he pushed me down the steps,” he said, adding that the driver then slashed him with the chopper, injuring his left hand.

Bystanders and the victim’s father tried to reason with the driver, but he merely jumped behind the wheel and got ready to drive off.

Alarmed, Mayakrishnan and his father got back on the bus and continued the three-hour journey to Kuala Lumpur, as they had their luggage on board.

Upon reaching Kuala Lumpur, he lodged a police report and sought treatment at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

When contacted, Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Ibrahim Mohd Aris confirmed that the 26-year-old driver was arrested the following day and has been remanded until Aug 9 to assist in investigations.

He said that the case was being investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing hurt with a dangerous weapon.

An online Petition Created by Vj : Pls sign n support

For more info : NaamNaadu

This petition is to urge the Ministry of education to take stern action against the history teacher whom used deregatory words during her lessons against Indian Students.

"To: Everybody
A female history teacher from SMK Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor, Malaysia had allegedly called Indian students in a Form Four and a Form Five class ‘keling pariah’, ‘Negro’, ‘black monkeys’ as well as other derogatory names.

The teacher had also purportedly said that ‘Indians came from dogs’ and the community members were stupid and prone to thuggery and thievery.

The police reports also alleged that the teacher had said that Indians were the ‘children of prostitutes’ and the community’s youths ‘did not have testicles’ on July 17 and 22, and had also purportedly beaten up some Indians students.

The Form Four student also alleged in his report that the teacher had written the word ‘keling pariah’ on the board and lost her cool when the Indian students in the class told her that they did not like being called names.

I regard these statements by the teacher not only insulting the student but also an insult for all Malaysian Indians and all the in Indians in the world.
Thus I request the related authority, Police and Education Ministry of Malaysia to investigate and punish this teacher severely.

Note: ”Indians are a minority community in Malaysia where they always become a victim of racist remarks and racial discrimination”.

For more info go to:
http://naamnaadu.blogspot.com/2008/08/history-teaching-hurls-and-insult.html


Sincerely, "

KUALA LUMPUR: The man who promised last year that the Middle Ring Road 2 would be "safer than ever" does not want to be drawn into Sunday's near-catastrophic incident when chunks of concrete fell on cars.

Former works minister Datuk Seri Samy Vellu said he was leaving the matter to Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed as he was no longer the minister.

"I am an ordinary person. No comment. It is unfair for me to make any comments as there is already a minister.

"Only the minister should be able to say what should be done. He has already gone to the site. He made a statement and I have read it," he said when reporters asked him to comment on the matter.

He said he would only answer questions from a Government-appointed panel of inquiry on the matter

"There are many things in my head. I will only answer if there is an inquiry from within," he told journalists.

He had been asked about a suggestion that an independent panel of inquiry be set up to investigate the cracks that had developed on the MRR2.

"I won't say anything about it. That is the desire of the public. Let the government do what it likes. I have no comments on it," he said.

A day before the MRR2 was reopened last year to traffic, Samy Vellu had said that the road had a safety standard of 1.7 which was higher than the 1.5 British Standard benchmark.

On Sunday parts of the MRR2 had to be closed for repairs for three weeks after pieces of concrete fell from its pillars.

Mohd Zin later ordered the closure of two of the six lanes on the left of the flyover for its team of consultants to study the damage.

Earlier, the MIC chief announced that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would open the party's Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology in Semeling, Kedah, on Aug 17.

He said the RM500 million AIMST would hold its first convocation in October this year with about 300 medical and bio-technology graduands.

IF the information mentioned in the police report were true, we do not need such a racist teacher and she is a History Teacher!

As a history teacher, what she had learned during her training? She should be the one that knew the origins and cultures/customs in Malaysia yet her deregatory words showed otherwise. Racist remarks n racism still exists in Malaysia till now. A never ending story.

Parents up in arms over teacher’s racial slurs

BANTING: About 500 angry parents and other members of the Indian community gathered outside a secondary school here on Monday to protest racial slurs and abuse allegedly uttered by a teacher against Indian students recently.

The crowd began gathering outside SMK Telok Panglima Garang’s main entrance near here at noon and dispersed about two hours later.

The headmaster was on leave, so some teachers accepted on his behalf copies of police reports made by a Form Four student and a Form Five student. According to the police reports, the female history teacher had allegedly called Indian students in a Form Four and a Form Five class ‘keling pariah’, ‘Negro’, ‘black monkeys’ as well as other derogatory names.

The teacher had also purportedly said that ‘Indians came from dogs’ and the community members were stupid and prone to thuggery and thievery.

The police reports also alleged that the teacher had said that Indians were the ‘children of prostitutes’ and the community’s youths ‘did not have testicles’ on July 17 and 22, and had also purportedly beaten up some Indians students.

The Form Four student also alleged in his report that the teacher had written the word ‘keling pariah’ on the board and lost her cool when the Indian students in the class told her that they did not like being called names.

Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who was among those who handed over the police reports, said that exposure to such abuse would only breed hatred and racial polarisation in schools.

“No one in his or her right frame of mind would have said these things. Given this, the best option would be for the teacher to be assigned to a desk job and not be allowed to be near youngsters anymore,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said the schoolteacher might be sacked if the allegations proved true.

The allegations were serious as no one was allowed to insult others, especially in a school environment, said Dr Wee, who was asked to comment on the incident when visiting a nine-year-old accident victim at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru.

He added that the ministry was awaiting an official report before taking any action.