Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid will address the controversy surrounding an Umno-themed competition held at a primary school in Putrajaya.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Mahdzir's deputy Chong Sin Woon said the minister would respond.

"We have reached a consensus. The minister will respond," Chong added.

However, this news portal could not reach Mahdzir for comment on the issue, which has drawn criticism from various quarters.

On Tuesday, Malaysiakini reported that the Federal Territories Ministry organised a class decoration competition at SK Putrajaya Presint 14(1) with the theme "Umno and Independence."

Besides chanting slogans and waving Umno flags, the pupils also sang the Umno anthem during the event, attended by Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

In his speech, the minister also urged teachers to join Umno.

Federal Territories BN Youth defended the event as a reflection of history regarding the nation's struggle for independence.

Whereas chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa reportedly said he had no problem with Tengku Adnan urging teachers to join Umno.

However, Ali declined to comment when questioned on the existing prohibition on civil servants taking an active part in politics.

“Never mind. Thank you,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.

Meanwhile, Education Ministry secretary-general Alias Ahmad declined to comment on the school event.

"I don't know. I don't know about this, sorry," Alias told Malaysiakini yesterday, before cutting off the phone line.