Forgive and Forget

I have received various comments on the teacher, who uttered a racial slur against Indians in her class. Some were written in anger, some had good suggestions while others wanted me to say something that could be used against me in the future. Now since the teacher had apologised and been transferred to another school, I think it is better that we put this matter to rest. I too was angry after reading the news report the other day and now after thinking about it I think whatever that has been achieved so far is sufficient. She has been made an example to all other teachers who have the tendency to use racial lines in their classes and teaching. Its time we moved on. I also feel that there is no point in beating a dead snake. We don't even know the condition of the teacher. If she is the sole bread winner of her family etc. One comment, was exceptionally rational, questioning the facts that was reported. But whatever said and done, we have made our point and lets move on. I am not back tracking, it is just that I feel jumping on issues like this for a longer period does more harm than good.
I would also like to remind those who comment on the blog to always use proper language in your comments. Using language like "sucking-up etc" is impolite. This might be the Internet and blogsphere but that does not guarantee the right for one to use improper language. If you want others to read your constructive comments, proper language usage is necessary. I see a trend in the comments. Some people just comment to vent out their anger and frustration. The reason I started blogging is to obtain feedback and so far it has been good. It is just that some rotten apples are spoiling the barrel.

DO NOT SACK HER, TRANSFER HER TO A TAMIL SCHOOL

BELOW IS A NEWS STORY FROM MALAYSIAKINI TODAY WHICH SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED ME

Two police reports have been lodged against a secondary school History teacher for allegedly uttering racial slurs against Indian students.
The reports, lodged by two students from SMK Telok Panglima Garang last Friday, stated that a female history teacher had allegedly called Indian students ‘keling pariah', ‘Negro' and ‘black monkeys', amongst other derogatory names.
In the report, the Form Four and Form Five student said the teacher purportedly told students during class that ‘Indians came from dogs', Indians are ‘children of prostitutes' and the community is stupid.
They also allege that teacher had said the community youth ‘did not have testicles', ‘always menstruates' and indulged in thuggery and theft.
The full story could be accessed at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/87278.

While the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, wants to strengthen unity among the various ethnic races in the country, we have some people, like the teacher above who fail to understand that Malaysia is not run by a single race. When the PM himself wants the nation to provide equal opportunities for all Malaysians in all areas, there are some who think that this is not wise and that only the majority should enjoy the wealth of this country. Its sad. It angers me. I am also disappointed that the teacher had passed through the country's education system and teachers training without anyone detecting her racial sentiments.
Any Malaysian regardless of race, religion, creed, colour or ethnicity does not deserve this kind of treatment and most alarming is the fact that it was uttered by a school teacher who had indirectly made all her students racists in one way or another. The physiological scar left by her on these students, will remain despite the harshest punishment meted out against her.
Now students of other races in the class, when this incident occurred, would not think twice to utter what she had said in class, outside of school. While the Indian students would be angry not only at the teacher but her race generally. In this case one rotten or bad apple spoils the barrel.
As far as I am concerned, action should be taken against the teacher. She should not be sacked as this would destroy her career and let her go on thinking that she was right in saying all those things against Indians. She should be transferred. She should be demoted and placed at a Tamil primary school. Let her go to school everyday with hundreds of Indian children and other Indian teachers.
Though deep inside I want her sacked and remain out of the country's education system, that would be an easy way out for her. She has to realise her follies and sacking her will not bring her this realisation. But transferring her to a Tamil medium primary school would certainly do the trick!
I on my part as a Deputy Minister and MIC Information chief would certainly do whatever is necessary to ensure, teachers like this do not "corrupt" our education system. First would be a chat with the Education Minister. I have my way of doing things and let me assure you that this issue will not be swept under the carpet, although the actions may not be publicised.