Pahang, Malaysia: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has responded to a controversial comment by a teacher in Pahang, saying her ministry was investigating the matter.
She confirmed that the ministry’s integrity unit as well as the Pahang education department were looking into the matter.
“Stern action will be taken against anyone proven to violate the disciplinary rules based on the set provisions,” she told Malaysiakini.
Her remarks came after Atiqah Syairah Shaharuddin, her political secretary, issued a statement on the matter on June 2.
Controversial Facebook Comment
A Facebook user commented on Berita Harian’s post about Selangor’s plan to teach religious book Turath to spread Islamic study.
The comment, written in Malay, cynically points out that studying various religious books does not matter if one vote for a non-Muslim.
The comment did not name anyone in particular and claimed that some people pretend to follow the the guidance of Prophet Muhammad but adhere to the teachings of other religions, which is why the chapter (surah) Al-Kafirun, the 109th chapter in the Quran, was revealed. Al-Kafirun consists of six verses and is addressed to the disbelievers (Kafirun).
Public Outcry and Official Response
Atiqah said she received complaints about the offensive comment allegedly associated with a teacher and called on the ministry’s integrity unit to take action, including suspending the person.
“The concern from parents and the community is how a teacher, who is also a civil servant, could bring themselves to make such comments.
“This shallow yet heavy accusation would become a poison that will continue to fester under the guise of freedom of speech,” she added.
Reminder to Civil Servants
In this regard, Fadhlina reminded teachers that civil servants are obliged to respect certain provisions, especially in the use of social media.
“Social media must be used responsibly and based on the values and ethics guidelines in force,” she stressed.