KUCHING, Jan 23: Teachers will soon be able to participate in political activities without fear of being penalised or punished.
Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Adam Prakash Abdullah said that previously, it was common to hear of action being taken against teachers who were involved directly or indirectly in politics.
“STU hopes that with the announcement by Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, teachers can then participate in political activities without fear of being penalised or punished,” he said in a statement today.
On Jan 22, Ismail Sabri during a press conference in Kota Bharu, Kelantan announced that school teachers under the Ministry of Education (MOE) will be allowed to get involved in politics with immediate effect.
Following this, Adam reminded teachers that whilst in politics, they still have to be responsible members of the civil service and have their priorities right at all times.
“We can now help disseminate information on government policies to the general public as well as advise them over issues on government policies.
“Teachers should always abide by all work circulars sent by MOE and to uphold our professional job (sic) at all times,” he said.
At the same time, Adam urged the prime minister to also look into allowing teachers across all job grades and positions in the country to participate actively in teachers’ unions.
“The teachers’ union is a good platform for teachers to develop their leadership skills as well as a venue for discussion between the teachers and employer.
“If teachers can now be involved in politics, let them also be given the freedom to participate in the teachers’ union. After all, we have seen many politicians in Malaysia who were once teachers before they became politicians,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
