STERN action has been taken against an Education Ministry official for barring two Tamil hymns at the National Tamil Language Carnival in Penang last week, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.

She said the official was found to be negligent in navigating sensitive matters.

“We take full responsibility,” the Nibong Tebal lawmaker said while delivering her wind-up speech during the Budget 2024 debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“This, however, was unintended and unprecedented. It was not our intention to marginalise any race.

“It is an issue close to the Madani government, and it should not have happened.

“I take full responsibility and express my deep regret, and I apologise to the Indian community, especially those offended by the incident,” she said.

She assured there would not be a recurrence.

But Fadhlina did not elaborate on the punishment against the official.

She said the “Kadavul Valthu” and “Tamil Valthu” hymns would be performed at a Deepavali celebration on November 29 in Penang.

“This is so all educators in Penang can enjoy the songs,” she said.

Earlier today, several Indian lawmakers criticised the barring of participants from singing the two hymns at the event and the removal of Tamil philosopher and literature icon Thiruvalluvar’s image from the carnival banner.

Batu MP P. Prabakaran said the discriminatory move hurt the Indian community.

Jelutong lawmaker R.S.N. Rayer took a swipe at those who banned the hymns, while Segamat MP R. Yuvaneswaran called for a special committee to be established to eliminate the recurrence of such sensitive issues.

Following the minister’s comments on the matter, Rayer applauded her apology and said parties in the current government would sufficiently defend the rights of the Indian community.

“We will continue to defend the unity government.

“We will tell Indians out there there is no need for a new party to be formed to defend the rights of the Indians,” Rayer said, aiming a dig at ex-Penang deputy chief minister – and his former ally – P. Ramasamy.

On Sunday, Ramasamy launched United for the Rights of Malaysians Party, or Urimai (Tamil for “rights”), a new Indian-based party. – November 27, 2023.