STATE executive councillor Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, also the chairman of the Tamil Schools Special Committee, has expressed his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Tamil schools and preserving the cultural heritage of the Tamil community, including their language.
Sundarajoo’s statement comes in response to a recent incident at the National Tamil Language Carnival 2024, held at a hotel in Kepala Batas on Nov 23.
During the opening ceremony, participants were reportedly not allowed to sing ‘Kadavul Valthu’ (praises to God) and ‘Tamil Valthu’ (praises to the Tamil language). Additionally, the carnival banner was prohibited from displaying the picture of Thiruvalluvar, a revered Indian poet and philosopher in Tamil literature.
“Soon after I came to know about the incident, I promptly engaged with the deputy state Education director cum acting director (Wan Sajiri Wan Hassan) who assured me of an investigation. Subsequently, I received an apology.
“I also communicated with the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek), who expressed regret, apologised and assured me that such a matter would not happen again.
“As the chairman of the Tamil Schools Special Committee and a Tamil-speaking Indian, I am committed to ensuring that such incidents do not recur.
“Moreover, the Federal Constitution permits everyone to practise their religious, cultural, and traditional beliefs,” Sundarajoo told Buletin Mutiara during the State Legislative Assembly today.
Sundarajoo added that it was disheartening not to have a picture of Thiruvalluvar on the carnival banner as he is a symbol of the Tamil language.
“As the elected representatives, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K.Kumaran who is also the deputy chairman for the Tamil Schools Special Committee, and I, will go all out to ensure that this is not repeated.
“We have our rights to our religion, language, race, traditions and culture,” Sundarajoo affirmed.
Sundarajoo also shared that he raised the matter with parliamentarians, namely Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Batu MP P. Prabakaran, and Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran. They subsequently raised the issue during a recent Parliament session.
During the parliamentary debate on Nov 27 regarding the 2024 Budget, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek issued an apology to the Indian community for what had happened.
Echoing Sundarajoo’s sentiments, Kumaran said that Malaysians have been living peacefully and harmoniously, irrespective of race and religion, and incidents such as this should not take place again.
“The root cause of this issue should be analysed to prevent it from happening again.
“We respect all the religions in Malaysia and we expect the same,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi