School HM gives new twist to tudung issue

The issue of the principal who withdrew her school netball teams from a tournament because some of the students did not don the tudung while playing has taken on a new twist.

In her report to the State Education Department, she claimed disciplinary problems among the players also necessitated the pull-out.

The department’s acting director, Abdul Rahman Yob, said the principal’s report would be forwarded to the Education Ministry for further action.

He said the principal indicated that her action was influenced by several factors.

"It was not just about the tudung... some of the players have disciplinary problems such as playing truant.

"The principal had also advised them about wearing the tudung which they defied."

It was reported today the principal of SMK Abdullah Munshi withdrew the school's under-15 and under-18 netball teams from the Penang Schools Sports Council Jelutong Zone netball tournament.

The principal, Fazillah Shaharim, did so because some of the players had removed their tudung while playing.

The school rules prohibit students from removing their tudung during classes or in activities where they represent the school.

They must also wear long pants during sporting activities.

The under-18 team was strongly tipped to reach the finals while the under-15 team was in the running for a semi-final berth.

The team members were reduced to tears when they learnt of their sudden exit from the tournament. [NST]