PETALING JAYA: The atmosphere was thick with emotion as a school principal fought back tears while apologising to parents over the fatal stabbing of a student.
In a slightly over one-minute video circulating widely on social media, the headmistress appeared visibly shaken as she expressed her regret and pledged to take responsibility for the tragedy that has gripped the nation.
“I, on behalf of the school, apologise for what has happened.
“No one wanted this tragedy to happen, but now that it has, we take the responsibility,” she said in a trembling voice.
The principal of SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4 was addressing parents in a special meeting, in which police officers were also present, amid grief and concern over the killing of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen in the school compound on Tuesday morning.
A 14-year-old male student has been remanded to assist in the investigation.
The principal thanked the parents for their support and urged them to share their views on how to strengthen safety measures in school.
“If parents have any suggestions for appropriate action, we will do the necessary so that our children can study in a comfortable and safe environment,” she added.
Acknowledging the challenge of managing a large school, she said they have constantly strived to do their best.
“It is not easy to administer a school with 1,197 students, but we try our best.
“Please understand our situation, as we too are deeply affected,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion, before ending her speech.
