JOHOR BARU: The authorities have been urged to swiftly and accurately handle issues that affect communal harmony.
Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said this while referring to allegations that an SPM exam camp was held for Muslims only in SMK Infant Jesus Convent in Johor Baru.
He said that such a response would deter rumourmongers from spreading confusion and hate.
"I don't want my "Bangsa Johor" to be confused and begin turning on each other. I cannot emphasise enough on the need for racial understanding, unity and tolerance.
"The Education Department must be quick to respond in these situations to prevent emotions and falsehoods from running wild. This is also a lesson to all parties who must deal swiftly and firmly to quell public dissatisfaction," said His Majesty said via the Royal Press Office" (RPO) here today.
"Nobody must be left out of any public programme because of their race or religion. If it is true that there was racial segregation, then action must be taken against the organisers. The same can also be said if it is found that these allegations are proven false and spread by irresponsible parties."
The Education Ministry denied there was discrimination against Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates at a school in Johor Baru.
In a statement today following an investigation by the Johor Education Department, the ministry said the school had planned a separate examination workshop for students who did not attend the first one on Jan 19 and 20 at a hotel.
The workshop was conducted for 30 candidates who had failed their Bahasa Melayu, History and other subjects.
"The workshops were held separately to avoid disruption to candidates who were preparing to celebrate Chinese New Year," it claimed.
