Stick To Happy Birthday Pm Videos Pas Mp To Fadhlina On Rape Case

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PARLIAMENT | Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir MAS) took a swipe at Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek following her comments on the recent case involving a Form Three student in Malacca, who was allegedly gang-raped by her seniors.
ADSDuring the debate on Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, he expressed disappointment over what he described as Fadhlina’s misplaced priorities, saying her initial response focused on assuring that the suspects could still sit for the SPM exam, rather than on student safety.
“We were saddened when the education minister was asked yesterday whether the students (allegedly involved in the gang-rape case) would be allowed to sit for SPM. She answered that the four students could still take the exam.
“But, God willing, earlier today, the Education Ministry’s secretary-general issued a statement that the students involved have been expelled from school with immediate effect. If they want to sit for the SPM, they must do so elsewhere. If need be, even in the minister’s office.
“The minister can make ‘Happy Birthday PM’ videos, that’s fine. But if we want serious discussion, that should be left to the civil service,” Fadhli quipped, referring to Fadhlina leading schoolchildren to chant birthday wishes for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a school event in August.
Education Minister Fadhlina SidekHer actions drew widespread criticism, with her former cabinet colleague, then economy minister Rafizi Ramli, also weighing in.
Fadhlina yesterday said that all four Form Five students accused of raping the 15-year-old student at a secondary school in Alor Gajah would be allowed to sit for the SPM scheduled to begin on Nov 3.
The minister had said the decision was made to ensure the accused students’ education was not disrupted, even though they may face legal action in connection with the case.
This led to widespread backlash, including from lawyers, child rights activists, and the public.
‘Insensitive’ statement
Commenting further, Fadhli, who is also the PAS information chief, said the real issue was not whether the accused students could sit for the exam, but ensuring that schools remain safe spaces.
“The issue here is about ensuring schools are safe places for our children. This isn’t about whether they can sit for the SPM or not,” he stressed.
He added that the minister’s initial statement giving assurance to the accused students was insensitive to the concerns of parents and the public.
ADS“I feel that’s why sometimes, such statements shouldn’t come from politicians. Leave it to the civil servants, the secretary-general or the ministry officials. They’re more experienced and know how to respond based on existing policies,” he said.
Fadhli also referred to the death of Sabah school student Zara Qairina Mahathir as an example of a wider issue that requires serious attention from the ministry.
Deceased 13-year-old student Zara Qairina MahathirHe also urged the ministry to introduce a clear framework to ensure schools are genuinely safe and conducive for students.
“We should be implementing a ‘safe school policy’ right now. What exactly is that policy? It’s urgently needed,” he said.
Fadhli said he did not wish to place full blame on the minister, but emphasised the need for greater wisdom and sensitivity in dealing with increasingly serious issues in the education sector.
Suspects expelled, isolated
The four students implicated in the gang rape in Malacca have been expelled, following a meeting of the school’s disciplinary board, which convened earlier today.
Education director-general Azam Ahmad announced the decision at a press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon, where he also clarified that the students would still be allowed to sit for the SPM later this year.
Education director-general Azam AhmadAzam added that the suspects involved will not be sitting for the exam at school; instead, they will be held in detention or at a separate location.
The suspects were remanded on Oct 10 under orders from the Malacca Magistrate’s Court, and will be undergoing police investigation until Oct 16.
Malacca police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the remand order against the 17-year-old suspects would allow them to be investigated under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.
Previously, it was reported that the gang rape occurred around 2.50pm on Oct 2 in a classroom at an Alor Gajah school. The incident unfolded when the victim returned to the classroom on the third floor to retrieve Science project materials that she had left behind.
The victim was believed to have been dragged into the classroom before being raped by two suspects in turns, while two of their other friends witnessed and recorded it using their mobile phones.
The incident came to light after the victim’s mother received information from a school teacher about the video being circulated and subsequently lodged a police report. - Mkini

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