JOHOR BARU: A group of parents of students attending SMK Infant Jesus Convent claim the Education Ministry's statement on the school's SPM camp for Muslim students is inconsistent with that of the principal's.
"We find MOE's statement released yesterday (after the workshop issue went viral) inconsistent with what had been told to us by Principal Ande Noor when queried about it earlier," said the parents' group.
Earlier, the ministry had said that the camp was held in collaboration with the school's parent-teacher association (PTA).
Another camp was supposed to be organised for students who could not attend it during the Chinese New Year break.
The ministry said the school had been notified on phase 2 of the camp for students who could not make it the first time.
"Both Fasa 1 & Fasa 2 of these workshops were never discussed at PTA meetings, nor approval sought for the use of funds for them.
"We consider this a serious breach of trust. It has become apparent that not all members of the PTA were privy to this information and these measures."
The parents said it sought an assurance from PTA, as well as the school administration, that all future planning and communication will be collaborative and transparent, to avoid occasions of discriminatory and divisive practices.
"Finally, we extend our respect and gratitude to our Ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, for his support of inclusivity and justice. Daulat Tuanku," said the parents, who referred to the ruler's statement on a need for swift and accurate action on the matter to avoid confusion and rumourmongering.
He said that organisers should be punished if indeed investigations found that such a discriminatory camp took place.
In a statement yesterday the ministry denied that there was discrimination against Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates at a school in Johor Baru.
The statement following an investigation by the Johor Education Department also said that 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."
