A primary school in Kedah drew public attention this week after inviting an influencer to officiate its award ceremony.
Influencer Faiz Soul clarified that he attended in his role as a businessman, not as a politician or celebrity, and said he used the opportunity to motivate students to pursue their education. In an official statement by the state Education Department (JPN) yesterday (9 December), JPN said it is investigating the actions of a school in Bedong, Sungai Petani, for inviting an influencer to officiate an academic award ceremony.
“The invited guests must be good examples in line with the aspirations contained in the National Education Philosophy,” the statement reads.
23-year-old Muhammad Faiz, in an Instagram video yesterday, denied that any action was being taken against the institution, despite the ongoing investigations.
“I’m not a criminal.”
In the explanation video, Faiz said that his invitation did not violate any circular issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE), especially when he was not a politician, celebrity, or a VVIP.
“I was there as Faiz, as an ordinary person.”
“I was a substitute teacher for six months, and I also expressed desire to contribute to over 200 underprivileged students at the school.”
“Why is the school under investigation?”
In a separate Instagram video this morning (10 December), Faiz reiterated his visit to the school that unexpectedly made headlines. He expressed surprise over the backlash his invitation received and questioned why the school was being investigated.
“What have I done wrong? I attended the school as a businessman, not a criminal, not an ex-convict.”
“I’m just Faiz, I was there to help and donate. Why is the school under investigation?”
Earlier, Faiz, who holds only an SPM qualification, revealed that he left his Diploma program to care for his family. He emphasised that he did not discuss politics during his speech at the school, instead sharing his personal journey with the students and stressed the importance of education.
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Also read: 22yo Influencer CEO Batu Now Sells Snacks in Kedah, Months After Sexual Assault Charge of 13yo Girl
