MINISTRY REFUTES CLAIMS TEACHERS WHO SUPPORT OPPOSITION WILL BE SACKED
He advised civil servants to avoid politics if it affects their work, says ministry
EDUCATION Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid’s statement that teachers who support the opposition will be sacked has been taken out of context on social media.
The Education Ministry refuted the reports yesterday.
“The minister gave a general advice that it’s better for civil servants to stay away from active politics if it affects their work.
“They must also avoid inciting hatred against the government and its leaders,” the ministry said in a statement.
At a gathering of teachers in Putrajaya on Thursday, Mahdzir, in his New Year’s message, reminded civil servants, especially headmasters, to be mindful of their positions.
He said some teachers and principals held positions in opposition parties, including PKR and Pas, and advised them to focus on education.
He advised them to be wise when making decisions and issuing statements against the government, as it could undermine their position in the public sector.
The ministry said Mahdzir had never told educators who to vote for, but had urged them to serve the people with neutrality and impartiality.
The ministry expressed regret that Mahdzir’s words had been taken out of context and misconstrued by irresponsible parties on social media and caused anxiety in the education fraternity.
The ministry said the Public Service Department had issued a directive on April 6, 2009, prohibiting civil servants in top-level positions and those in professional and management positions from participating in politics.