The team said its investigation, which included conversations with the board of governors and the Parent-Teacher Association of the Methodist Girls’ School on Anson Road here, said the plan was for Muslim and Christian teachers to deliver a “unity speech”.

But the Muslim teacher who was supposed to give the speech could not deliver the speech, leaving only the Christian teacher to continue with the presentation.

Announcing the findings today, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy said the unity speech was held in response to a trend among the majority Muslim students, of buying food only from Muslim-owned stalls at the school canteen.

“But the school canteen is managed by a Malay Muslim. The lack of mingling and subtle segregation of students of various races and religions have proved to be worrisome to the school.

“In order to overcome the division, the school decided to go for a change by proposing to have a unity speech for Christians and Muslims at its school prize-giving day,” said Ramasamy, who is also the state education exco.

He said the event was a success, as it brought students of different races and religions closer.

But Ramasamy said there was nothing wrong even if the school had recited Christian and Muslim prayers.

“Missionary schools are not exactly national schools, they were established long before national schools made their appearance.

“The curriculum might be the same, but the tradition, the different kinds of emphasis on teaching and the importance of Christian prayers distinguish these from the national schools.

Police have launched an investigation into claims that the school had banned Muslim prayers, yet allowed Christian prayers.

Bukit Aman today said police have so far questioned five people, including parents, the complainant and attendees of the school programme.

Ramasamy said the school would fully cooperate with the police and education authorities.

“They want them to understand that the unity speech was to bring teachers and students closer to one another.”