Education Ministry probes teacher for telling student to ‘go back to China’

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — The Ministry of Education has initiated an internal investigation after an audio clip allegedly capturing a teacher telling a student to “go back to China” for struggling with Malay went viral.

The ministry reaffirmed its stance against racial remarks and discrimination in the education system, stressing its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.

“A thorough internal investigation is underway,” a ministry spokesperson told Free Malaysia Today (FMT), adding that a meeting with the student’s parents has been scheduled and that psychosocial support services are available.

The ministry also emphasized that government schools must uphold respect for Malaysia’s diverse racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds. It further highlighted that teachers receive specialized training to enhance professionalism, ethical standards, and classroom communication skills.

In the widely circulated audio clip, a man claiming to be the student’s relative confronted the teacher, asking if she had indeed made the remark. The teacher admitted to saying it.

According to FMT, the teacher also allegedly called the student “stupid” and told them to “sit near the rubbish bin.”

She reportedly claimed that she had spoken to students this way before without receiving any complaints.

Additionally, the teacher allegedly criticized the student’s parents for their inability to speak Malay.

When the man refused to reveal his identity, she allegedly threatened to report him for invading her privacy.

She also claimed to be on medical leave and warned that her husband, a police officer, could track the man using his phone number.