BANTING, MALAYSIA - The Education Ministry has ordered an investigation into allegations that a teacher in Klang made racist remarks at her students.

Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said if the allegations were true, action would be taken against the teacher.

"It is not proper for educationists to treat their students differently according to their race and to speak to them in such a manner," he said.

The teacher at SMK Panglima Garang in Klang was alleged to have used racial slurs and verbally abused several students here last month.

The abuses allegedly happened on separate occasions in two classes.
Upset by the incidents, the students sent a complaint note to the headmaster but claimed no action was taken.

In the first incident on July 17, the teacher allegedly entered a Form Five class and apart from calling them a derogatory word, also accused them of being gangsters and thieves.

The teacher was also alleged to have ordered the boys to do push-ups.

When some of them could not do it, she allegedly stamped on their backs.

The second incident allegedly happened five days later in a Form Four class where she taught history.

She told the students that she "wanted to test their level of patience" and began abusing them with derogatory words.

She even wrote the words on the blackboard.

Two students lodged police reports against the teacher. The situation turned tense yesterday when about 500 parents and members of the public gathered in front of the school.

Holding placards, they demanded that the students be treated fairly and that action be taken against the teacher.

A delegation of five parents then met the school's senior assistant. The headmaster was not present while the teacher concerned was said to be on medical leave.

A member of the delegation said the matter had been referred to the Education Department for further action.