The Malaysian Ministry of Education has launched an internal investigation after an audio recording circulated online in which a teacher allegedly told a student with Malay language difficulties to “go back to China.”
The recording captured a conversation between the teacher and someone identifying as a relative of the student. The Ministry spokesperson told Free Malaysia Today that a thorough internal investigation is ongoing.
Ministry officials stated they do not tolerate racial remarks or discrimination in the education system. They have arranged a meeting with the student’s parents and made psychosocial support services available.
In the audio, when asked why she called the student “stupid” and made him sit by a rubbish bin, the teacher said it was because the student didn’t understand her Malay instructions. When the relative questioned if she told the student to “go back to China,” the teacher confirmed she did.
After the relative noted such comments could be considered racist, the teacher defended herself, saying: “I’ve said this before, and others have too. Nobody’s ever complained.”
The teacher added: “If he is 13 years old and cannot speak (Malay), we can’t say it’s okay. If his parents can’t speak (Malay), then what should we do? If the parents also don’t speak Malay, go back to China then.”
Before ending the call, the teacher claimed illness and said she would take medical leave. She threatened to report the caller for invading her privacy, mentioning her husband is a police officer who could track him down.
The student’s parents filed a police report but withdrew it after meeting with the school principal, according to Sin Chew Daily News. On March 20, 2025, the school held a meeting with its Parent Teacher Association about the incident.
The teacher has admitted her mistake and agreed to apologize to the student’s parents. The school submitted a report to the district’s education bureau.
The Education Ministry emphasized that government schools must respect Malaysia’s diverse racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds. They noted teachers receive specialized training to improve professionalism, ethical standards, and classroom communication skills. The Ministry affirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students regardless of background.
