SULTAN Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor today said that any issue that could threaten the harmony and unity of Johoreans must be dealt with efficiently by the authorities. 

He said swift and accurate action by the authorities would prevent confusion and the spread of hateful sentiments. 

The monarch said this in response to a recent allegation regarding an examination workshop organised only for Muslim students by a secondary school in Johor.  

“I don’t want my Bangsa Johor to be confused and begin turning on each other. I cannot emphasise enough 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,” he said to the Royal Press Office, in a posting on his Facebook page.  

Sultan Ibrahim added that no one should be excluded from any public programme because of their religion or race. 

“If it is true that there was racial segregation, then action must be taken against the organisers. The same can be said if it is found that these allegations are proven false and spread by irresponsible parties,” His Majesty said. 

Earlier, the Education Ministry clarified that there was no discrimination against non-Muslim students in the workshop run by SMK Infant Jesus Convent, Johor Baru, for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia students. 

It said the workshop was divided into different sessions so as not to disrupt students who were celebrating Chinese New Year. – Bernama, January 24, 2023.