THE Education Ministry’s statement about a controversial SPM workshop at SMK Infant Jesus Convent in Johor Baru is inconsistent with the principal’s briefing on the matter, parents said.

In a statement, a group of parents said parent-teacher association (PTA) meetings never discussed two separate workshops held as a series, and no approval was sought for the use of funds for such workshops.

“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 group said in the statement.

The parents are now seeking assurance from the PTA and school administration that all future plans and communication will be collaborative and transparent.

“This is to avoid occasions of discriminatory and divisive practices.

“Finally, our respect and gratitude to our ruler, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, for his support of inclusivity and justice. Daulat Tuanku,” they said in the statement.

The statement was issued by Pramitta Subramaniam, Christopher Ling Siew Ming, Seng Yen Phing, Lee Yoong Wei, Elizabeth Louis, James Govindasamy, Wong Kit Wan, and James Chuah.

Yesterday, the ministry denied any element of discrimination against non-Muslims at an SPM workshop for SMK Infant Jesus Convent students. 

It said there were two workshops organised by the school to avoid disrupting the festivities for students celebrating Chinese New Year. 

The ministry said on January 19 and 20, an SPM workshop was held at Suasana Hotel, Johor Baru. 

“The workshop was separately held (for Muslim and non-Muslim students) to prevent disruption for those preparing to celebrate Chinese New Year, and the follow-up workshop for other (non-Muslim) candidates had been planned for January 26 and 27 at the same hotel.

“There are no elements of discrimination against non-Muslims, as alleged by many on social media,” it said.

It was initially reported that parents and members of the public had reacted strongly to claims that the SPM workshop was only meant for Muslims.

The workshop covered critical subjects, including Additional Mathematics and Chemistry.

However, non-Muslim students were not invited to join the workshop.

It is said that a private donor had paid for the two-day, one-night hotel stay. – January 25, 2023.