THE Education Ministry is investigating an allegation that a teacher has been coaxing a student to convert to Islam.

The ministry said in a statement today that it took a serious view of the allegation and stressed that religion should not be used as a tool to threaten racial harmony.

It also said appropriate action would be taken against anyone found to have mocked any religion.

“The Education Ministry will not compromise on matters involving the administration of schools, especially issues that can threaten racial and religious harmony,” it said.

The ministry said it would provide full cooperation to the police if called upon to do so.

Cheras police chief Zam Halim Jamaluddin has been reported as saying that a mother had lodged a report that her 15-year-old son’s teacher had tried to persuade him to convert to Islam.

Police said an investigation was under way, with several witnesses having had their statements taken.

He said investigations were being conducted under the penal code for causing disharmony on the grounds of religion and making statements that can lead to public alarm and distress.

It was reported yesterday that the teacher from a school in Kuala Lumpur had allegedly told the student to embrace Islam to boost his chances of becoming a national footballer.

Malaysiakini, meanwhile, reported today that the parents met the school’s principal and district education officers over the allegation.

Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia Association chairman Arun Dorasamy was reported as saying that the meeting was held at 8.30am at the school in Kuala Lumpur.

Arun said the parents have agreed to give space to the authorities to settle the matter as police investigations are ongoing. – February 9, 2023.