JOHOR BARU: The Home Ministry and relevant agencies have been urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the operations of “Network School” in Forest City following allegations that Israeli nationals were among its participants.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic) said the state will not allow any parties to use the state as a base to spread ideologies or movements that are against the law, sovereignty, and interests of Johor and Malaysia.
“There have been public concern over the operations of the school, including allegations that Israeli nationals had participated in its programmes using second passports.
“The state calls on the Home Ministry, Immigration Department, police, Customs Department and other relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The probe should look into the identities and nationalities of those involved, their travel documents and alleged use of second passports, the type of passes used and the purpose of their entry into Malaysia, as well as whether their actual activities were consistent with the reasons for entering the country,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added that the Higher Education Ministry, Digital Ministry and relevant regulatory agencies have also been asked to determine the actual status of the school’s operations and whether its programmes required registration or approval under Malaysian law.
At the state level, Onn Hafiz said the Iskandar Puteri City Council, Johor Land and Mines Office, and other relevant agencies will review all compliance matters under their respective jurisdictions.
“These include compliance with premises licence conditions, building use, land use conditions, accommodation, business activities and any other applicable legal or regulatory requirements,” he said.
Onn Hafiz said Johor views the matter seriously and will continue to act in accordance with the law to safeguard Johor’s interests and uphold national sovereignty.
There has been speculation online over the school’s operations and its participants, who are mostly foreigners, with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman also commenting on the matter.
In an immediate response, the Home Ministry said investigations by the police and the Immigration Department are underway.
It added that investigations are underway to identify the nationalities of those involved, as well as the status and validity of the travel documents used.
The ministry said it was also working closely with all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that all aspects under their respective jurisdictions are thoroughly reviewed.
“Should the investigations reveal any violations of the law, misuse of immigration passes, provision of false information or any other offences that threaten national security and interests, firm action will be taken without compromise,” it added.
