Malaysian Politicians Condemn Teacher's Caning of Student For Bringing Non-Halal Food to School

In the Malaysian state of Sarawak, politicians from the governing Barisan Nasional party, as well as from opposition parties, have condemned the actions of a public school teacher who caned a boy for bringing non-Halal food to school.  According to Saturday's Free Malaysia Today, the senior teacher of St. Thomas Primary School took the action against Basil anak Beginda for bringing fried rice with pork sausages to eat during school recess. Spokespersons for various political parties emphasized the tradition of tolerance in Sarawak, freedom of religion and their belief that the boy's infraction was not serious.