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Malaysian Gurdwara Council president Jagir Singh said the MOE circular would be reaching schools nationwide within this week. — |
The secular, according to a report by Asia Samachar, was dated June 4th and addressed to all ministry divisions and state directors.
The report said the circular was dated June 4th, and signed by MOE director-general for education Dr. Khair Mohamad Yusof.
It served to explain the confusion that arose in a previous circular released by the ministry in 2011, whereby it allowed Sikh boys to keep long hair, but it overlooked provision on facial hair.
The circular stated, “In policy, guidelines and rules for clothing and neatness of school students are to provide uniformity.
“However, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is also aware and understands the sensitivities of the needs of religion, culture and faith in the country.
“With that, for Sikh male school students, they are allowed to wear a turban or jura according to their faith and religion when in school.
“In this matter, male students, teachers and other staff who are Sikh can keep long hair, moustache and beard if they wear a turban, or jura.”
Asia Samachar, a news site that covers news on Sikhs in Southeast Asia, quoted Malaysian Gurdwara Council (MGC) president Jagir Singh as saying that council had also notified gurdwaras of the circular, having sent them a copy of it and a letter.
Jagir also reportedly said that the circular would be reaching schools nationwide within this week.
The circular would be welcomed with a sigh of relief by the Sikh community.
Earlier this year, three Sikh students in Muar, Wangsa Maju and Seremban were told by their school heads to shave their facial hair or have disciplinary action taken against them, including expulsion.