Alumni calls for action against teacher over victim-blaming remarks

The Baling Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) alumni have urged the school to reprimand one of their teachers for posting a video where he made “controversial, sexual, and sexist” remarks that women played a primary role in attracting sexual harassment.

“As such acts display highly unethical abuse of his position as an educator, instilling sexual views unto the students, we urge that Mohd Norazizi Samsudain (above) be reprimanded for... breaching his professional ethical rules of an MRSM educator.

“However, considering all the factors, we advocate for his suspension rather than termination subject to the discretionary powers of Mara.

“We also call upon Baling MRSM to release an official statement declaring that they are against victim-blaming and procuring measures that would be taken to ensure a safe and conducive environment,” the Baling MRSM alumni said in a statement yesterday.

The video of the teacher, which was posted on Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter by Norazizi who teaches Bahasa Melayu in Baling MRSM, went viral on July 2 and subsequently received criticism from netizens.

The video, which has since been deleted from all platforms, allegedly depicted him saying that the sole underlying reason for most rape occurrences was a result of women’s ‘promiscuous’ behaviour which attracts sexual offenders.

He also claimed, based on anecdotes, that only two out of 10 rape cases were real. He also cited various unknown sources to corroborate his claims.

The alumni said Norazizi also used various “sexual slurs” in the video.

“As an educator tasked with the handling of young, future leaders, such demeaning language and ignorant remarks do not reflect the characteristics of a skilled, professional, and competent teacher.

“Norazizi emphasized that victims are to be blamed in rape cases… he persisted in this view when he shifted the focus to his students in class… negating the other views advocated by his students while highlighting that only his own views can be accepted.

“Hence, this act is seen to be an abuse of his capacity as an educator,” the alumni said.

Though the offending video has been taken down by Norazizi, he later posted another video apologising for his remarks on his Instagram account.

“I would like to humbly state my open apology to everyone. Due to the sensitive content which was not based on clear facts, my video was misinterpreted and hurt the feelings of many.

“I also presented my speech without looking at the big picture and the scope of reality.

“I also, without realising, used harsh language which was unsuitable for the multi-cultural and multi-religious society that we have in this country.

“I am very regretful that I uploaded the video without getting feedback from others who are more knowledgeable,” he said in the apology video, which was uploaded yesterday.

He said he would not repeat such behaviour in the future and denied that he was a “rape enabler” or a “rape apologist”.

Norazizi told Malaysiakini that his apology video will be the last statement he will make on this issue.

"I hope it can be conveyed through the right channel," he said.

Meanwhile, on July 3, a petition was started on Change.org, which called for the removal of Norazizi from his teaching position at Baling MRSM.

As of the time of writing, the petition has received 24,070 signatures.

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