The Malaysian Insight

POLICE have called in several people over a police report against the Penang Methodist Girls School where a Christian prayer was allegedly recited during a school event.

Penang Northeast District police chief assistant commissioner Che Zaimani Che Awang said among those called is the person who lodged the police report as well as those involved in the event, which was a school awards ceremony.

“Police have opened investigation papers into the complaint. Among the witnesses to be called are the individual who lodged the report and those involved in holding the event.

“This includes individuals from the school, who will be called to facilitate investigations,” Che Zaimani told The Malaysian Insight.

He declined to state the exact number of people called in and their identities.

Investigations are being conducted under the Penal Code but he also declined to state which section.

“I don’t wish to create hype over this matter as it can cause greater harm. It might stir the anger of some quarters,” Che Zaimani said.

The police report against the missionary school in George Town was lodged last week by a Penang-based activist, Muhsin Abdul Latheef, 35, who claimed that he represented various Muslim groups.

In his report, he said SK Perempuan Methodist had allowed a Christian prayer to be recited during an awards event at the school and that this was an attempt to proselytise Muslim students, an act which violated the federal constitution.

It led to Director-General of Education Dr Amin Senin issuing a warning to the school, saying the ministry is considering disciplinary action against the school’s administrators for flouting regulations on protocol.

The ministry has been criticised by civil society activist K. Sudhagaran Stanley for “overreacting” and disrespecting religious freedom in Malaysia.

Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik has been urged to intervene, said the activist, adding that the ministry must not allow itself to be used by religious extremists. – October 1, 2019.