I'm currently teaching in a secondary school and I am totally dissatisfied with an issue so I am writing this letter hoping that it will make a difference.

As most of your readers are aware, we have just completed the PMR examinations throughout Malaysia. We as teachers also look forward to marking the PMR papers as we will be able to gain experience and insight which will be useful when conducting the Form 3 classes for the coming year.

However, all the hopes of Indian teachers are dashed to the ground as the meeting with the heads of the marking groups is to be held on the eve of Deepavalli in some places.

These meetings are held over a span of two to three days so that each group is able to discuss with their respective group leaders issues concerning the marking of the papers. The examiners will also be given their scripts and briefed on the methods of marking.

These meetings are essential and if they are held during the preparations for Deepavalli, many Indian teachers will not be able to attend and thus they will lose out as they won't have the chance to mark the papers.

Some may argue that these meetings are not long, and the teachers will be able to attend their respective meeting and then go back home to continue with their preparations but I ask you is it fair?

In our jobs, some of us are sent to different states away from our hometowns and we still dedicate ourselves to our work. As such during the holidays we would like to spend time with our loved ones.

I'm not surprised that this sort of an incident is taking place as we have come across many incidents like this over the years but I would seriously like to pose this question. Is this what we call Bangsa Malaysia?

This is blatant ignorance of our festive celebration that is going to take place and the importance of this celebration to a small group of people who are a part of Malaysia.

I can only hope that things will get better. Even though we are a small group of people, we still contribute to the development of this nation and thus our voices should be heard.

The meeting could have been held during the weekdays since we already knew beforehand when the examinations were going to take place and when they were going to be over.

There is no logical explanation for why the meeting is to be held on the eve of Deepavalli - unless it has been done on purpose.