Quran Teacher in Malaysia Kills Student with Water Hose

Severe and brutal physical punishment of an 11-year-old student at one of the Quranic schools in Malaysia resulted in his death. Many are now calling for the closure of all private Islamic schools in the country.

Malaysia’s former information minister, Zainudin Maidin, on April 27 (Ordibehesht 7) following the news uproar over the death of a student at one of the country’s Quranic schools, called for the closure of all such schools. He also announced that if implementing this demand is not possible under current circumstances, at least these schools should be closed until further notice.

In Malaysia, the number of Islamic schools and Quranic classes is increasing day by day. According to the statement of the country’s former information minister, these Islamic schools are operated using very backward and brutal methods.

One of Malaysia’s most prominent civil activists, Marina Mahathir, following the killing of this eleven-year-old teenager, posted on her Facebook page reminding Malaysia’s authorities that their primary duty is to protect children’s security and not to entrust these children to teachers and instructors who lack the competence to do so. She has called for keeping children away from such teachers.

Both Legs Amputated

The teacher of this Quranic class had punished this child under the pretext of making noise. This 11-year-old child, named Muhammad Gaddafi, along with 14 other students of this Islamic school, was punished by their teacher. This Quran teacher used a water hose to punish these children.

The severity of this child’s leg injuries was such that they had no choice but to transfer him to the hospital. As doctors were unable to treat the child’s wounds, they amputated both of his legs. This measure, however, proved ineffective and could not prevent the child’s death.

Najib Razak, Malaysia’s prime minister, and other government officials expressed condolences to this child’s family. This is despite the fact that Razak announced on April 26 (Ordibehesht 6) that the government intends to provide financial support to private Quranic schools in the country to strengthen Islam in Malaysia.

Source: DW