Education Minister: Apology From Coach Who Slapped Players Doesn't Mean Issue Is Resolved
According to Fadhlina Sidek, her ministry views the incident seriously and while no police reports were lodged against the coach, it does not mean it's the end of the matter.
By Sadho Ram — 03 Jan 2023, 01:35 PM
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured that her ministry will not compromise on issues related to violence against students.
The Minister was commenting on the abusive actions of a volleyball coach, who was caught on camera slapping two of his players.
The Education Minister's remarks come after Melaka executive councillor V P Shanmugam downplayed the issue, saying he was of the view that the case is resolved as the coach has already apologised.
Fadhlina said that the coach may have apologised for his actions but it's not the end of the matter.
According to her, the ministry views the incident seriously and while no police reports were lodged against the coach, action will depend on the results of an integrity and discipline report, Malay Mail reported.
"We are looking at the bigger picture [...] We are investigating the matter," she said, adding that the ministry has its own department to deal with such cases, reported New Straits Times today, 3 January.
Fadhlina, however, said that no decision has been made by the ministry on the fate of the coach, who has been temporarily suspended by the Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA)
Meanwhile, she said that ministry officials met with the parents of the students who were slapped on 16 December during a volleyball match by the coach and also other stakeholders to get feedback on the case.
"We met the parents to get feedback and we will not tolerate violence, especially against our students. We are very concerned about this issue and our priority is the safety and well-being of the students," she said.
Fadhlina said the ministry had also provided the teenagers with counselling.
File photo of Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, seen talking to reporters, while ministry officials look on.
Image via Mukhriz Hazim/Malayiakini