THE Education Ministry has transferred an officer for barring two Tamil hymns at the National Tamil Language Carnival in Penang recently but did not reveal details of the identity and rank or where he was transferred to.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s special officer Thiyagaraj Sankaranarayanan said stern action was taken on the matter.

“The issue of banning the hymns ‘Tamil Valthu’ and ‘Kadavul Valthu’ has been investigated and appropriate action taken by MOE where the officer responsible was transferred to another department.

“Allegations that the ministry did not take action are baseless. The government will not protect anyone.

“Please focus on the national education process and give enough space for further investigation if there is new evidence,” he posted on Facebook.

Earlier Fadhlina admitted 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.

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 lawmaker P. Prabakaran said the discriminatory move hurt the Indian community.

Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer took a swipe at those who banned the hymns, while Segamat lawmaker R. Yuvaneswaran called for a special committee to eliminate the recurrence of such sensitive issues. – December 7, 2023