SUPP Women Central on student conversion

suppadmin | March 30, 2015

When a 13 years old student from SMK Lutong expressed her interest in Islam, I am very disappointed with her teachers who took the matter into their own hands in trying to introduce Islam to her without her parents’ consent; said SUPP Women Central Chief Datin Jennifer Chee.

Such act is manipulative, dishonest and disrespectful to both the student and her parents. Teachers should be reminded that unlike mosque, temple or church, school’s primary function is to provide the place for children to be educated on the knowledge of the world, and be a good citizen. Teacher who taught children to be respectful of others from various backgrounds should talk the talk and lead by example.

In Sarawak, people with different race and religion have lived together harmoniously for decades. We are community who respect each others’ religions and proud of our cultural diversity. Such incident can incite religious tension and create fear among our communities. Parents might worry about their children being converted at school. Some might fear letting their children socializing with others who come from different religious background. The consequence of such incident can destroy the harmony of our community.

Datin Jennifer urges the Education Department and relevant authorities to investigate this incident seriously. Disciplinary action should be taken, stressed Datin Jennifer Chee and let this be a lesion to all that such action by the respective school teachers or anyone, is unacceptable in Sarawak.