PETALING JAYA: The education ministry says it will probe an international school whose students’ presentation seen as critical of Malaysia’s palm oil industry triggered angry comments from Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok.
Calling the presentation “anti-palm oil propaganda”, the ministry said the school had acted against national policies, adding that it could also tarnish the country’s image.
“The ministry will not compromise with any elements of propaganda and indoctrination in private education institutions which could tarnish the country’s image and reputation,” said the education ministry’s director-general Amin Senin.
Yesterday, Kok accused an international school in Kuala Lumpur of not supporting the government’s efforts to counter the anti-palm oil lobby, following a viral video clip showing students taking turns to speak out against the palm oil industry during a school concert.
She also said several international schools had not allowed her officers to give talks on the benefits of palm oil.
Her remarks drew criticism from activists who said schoolchildren should be allowed freedom of speech.
Meanwhile, the education ministry also warned other international schools against similar shows.