KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia >> An official says a high school text book that aims to emphasize Malaysia’s racial harmony has riled the main ethnic Indian party by referring to the Hindu caste system.

S. Subramaniam, deputy president of the Malaysian Indian Congress, says the party wants the Education Ministry to withdraw the book “Interlock” or at least revoke portions that refer to the caste system.

He said Monday that the reference has hurt the minority Indians because they don’t want to be reminded of what they see as an outdated concept.

The Education Ministry says it will hear the party’s arguments before making a decision. The book is required reading for literature classes from 2011.