Education D-G: 'Negaraku' in Mandarin happened during classroom lesson

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): A viral video showing school students singing the national anthem in Mandarin took place in a classroom during a teaching and learning (PdP) session, says Education director-general, Datuk Dr Amin Senin.

In a statement Friday (Dec 6), he said investigations found that it was done so pupils would have a better understanding of the meaning, purpose, and protocol when singing the national anthem, Negaraku.

"It did not take place during any official event of the school," he said.

Amin reminded the management of schools to exercise discretion when using any national symbols including the national anthem during lessons to avoid any misunderstanding.

He also stressed that the national anthem should not be altered or amended in any way whenever it is performed at any official school event and everyone must adhere to the National Anthem Act 1968.

The one-minute and 23-second video, showing students singing Negaraku in Mandarin was allegedly recorded on Sept 26,2018, at a school in Seremban, Negri Sembilan. – Bernama