The lecturer behind the controversial ‘Tamadun Islam Tamadun Asia (Titas)’ lecture slides has reportedly been sacked.
The Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, said in a radio interview on Thursday morning, as cited by The Star Online, that the decision was made by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
“They (UTM) are autonomous. They hired the lecturer and they have the right to fire him. And I was told yesterday that he has been fired,” he was quoted as saying, adding that the ministry viewed the matter seriously and “stringent action” needs to be taken on the lecturer.
Last month, the lecture materials containing derogatory claims about the Hindus and Sikhs went viral online, sparking a major uproar. The slides were reportedly part of UTM’s ‘Titas’ subject, which is mandatory for all tertiary students regardless of religion.
Idris insisted that the ‘Titas’ subject was still relevant, adding that it was the lecturer who “went out of the way”.
“He was not using the co-curriculum provided by the ministry and that has got to be fully understood.
“We are telling the lecturers that they have to be in line with the Government policies,” he was further quoted as saying.
