Netizens Trivialise Klang Mp S Claim Of High Stress Level Sitting For Exams During Deepavali Period

---

 
DEEPAVALI is among the major festivities in Peninsular Malaysia. This is reflected in the Education Ministry (MOE) declaring extra school holidays for the celebration.
Malaysian real estate
Schools in Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu will be on holiday on Oct 19 and 21 while those in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Melaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah and Labuan enjoy their breaks on Oct 21 and 22.

Great news for all except for students who have to sit for school or university exams before, during or after Deepavali.
This is inherently unfair as it forces students to choose between enjoying this momentous occasion with friends and families or hitting the books, according to Klang MP Ganabatirau Veraman who took to Facebook to express his dismay.


It was contended by the former Selangor State EXCO member that the MOE as well as local varsities should have more empathy for its Indian students.
The National DAP assistant publicity secretary argued: “This year, examinations in schools began as early as Oct 6 or Oct 13. In universities, students, too, are sitting for assessments throughout October.
“Since Deepavali falls on Oct 20 (Monday), this means that many students will have exams right up to the week of the festival with some even resuming just three days after the celebration.

“Parents and students alike are left asking why must exams be scheduled during Deepavali? Why can’t they be completed before or arranged after this important celebration?”
Comparing to other celebrations, Ganabatirau complained: “The unfairness becomes clearer when we compare this with other major festivals in our multi-cultural country.
“For some celebrations, a full week of holidays is given, allowing families to travel, spend time together and enjoy their traditions without worry.

“Yet for Deepavali, holidays are often restricted to just one to three days. This disparity raises a very serious question about equality in how we treat our children across different communities.”
The 52-year-old Pakatan Harapan (PH) lawmaker’s remarks drew plenty of responses given not everyone agrees with his logic. It was pointed out that other communities also faced this issue, hence it was not unique. One commenter further highlighted that she did her SPM while fasting.

Some also noted that it was too bad that the end of year exams happen to coincide with the Festival of Lights. It’s just a matter of logistics, not some concerted effort to underplay the significance of Deepavali.

‘What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger’ was a common theme among many. It was argued that this was a small sacrifice to make for a better future and that this would ultimately produce more resilient and resourceful citizens.

Some commenters were unimpressed by the DAP Selangor deputy chairman’s attempt at politicising what they regard as a non-issue. There were far more important things to debate in Parliament.

Of course, there were some who did concur with Ganabatirau’s convictions in looking after the interest of his community, especially those who profess the Hindu faith.

But the overall tone was one of ‘too bad, its exam time’. Students will just have to knuckle down and work hard – that goes for all races who also have had similar experiences over the years.
One fed up commenter perhaps summed up the mood best when he countered that “we don’t need more holidays as the economy is already in the doldrums”. – Oct 9, 2025

- focus malaysia

---