‘Don’t let politics affect performance’
KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers should quit if they cannot adhere to policies set by the government.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Kamarozaman Abd Razak said teachers should comply with the advice given by the Education Ministry to stay away from politics as it could affect their performance.
Teachers, he said, should keep their opinions on politics to themselves to preserve the harmony between educators.
“It is best that they (teachers) resign if they cannot carry out the policies set by the government.
“Educators need to know that they are influential and must be responsible for their words in matters related to politics.
“Clashes of opinions could spark debates and arguments among educators.”
NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock said teachers must not be distracted by politics.
“Civil servants must not be distracted by politics as we carry out the policies set by the government.
“Our job is to follow the things set out by the ministry. If teachers have grouses over remuneration, services and professional matters, NUTP is willing to assist,” he told the New Straits Times.
Echoing Tan is Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, who said educators should keep out of politics.
“As educators, we must not let politics meddle with education, as our work performance could be affected.
“Educators also need to learn not to voice out their opinion bluntly so as to avoid inciting hatred against the government.”
During a gathering of teachers in Putrajaya on Jan 18, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had said civil servants should steer clear of politics as it could affect their work.
He noted that some teachers and principals held positions in opposition parties, including PKR and Pas, and advised them to focus on teaching.
He also told them to be cautious in making decisions and issuing statements against the government as it could undermine their position in the public sector.