‘TEACHERS MAY TAKE PART IN POLITICS’

Mahdzir’s comment on teachers supporting opposition taken out of context, says Cuepacs

THE Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) believes that Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid’s message on the fate of teachers supporting the opposition has been taken out of context.

Its president, Datuk Azih Muda, said he was confident that Mahdzir did not issue such a statement, which was deemed as threatening teachers who supported the opposition.

Azih said teachers should not be worried about getting sacked over their political leanings.

“No, I don’t think he said that. I know him (personally) and I’m sure his words must have been twisted or taken out of context.

“Furthermore, teachers have been allowed to take part in politics, including delivering speeches during political activities.

“However, they must obtain the approval of their superior or the (Education Ministry) secretary-general,” he said after the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) Forum at the State Legislative Assembly building here.

Public Service Department directorgeneral Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman, who was present, said teachers in grades DG41 to DG48 were permitted to engage in politics.

“There’s nothing wrong with them taking part in any (political) activities as long as they obtain approval and abide by the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.”

Earlier, Azih said the forum, organised by Cuepacs, was aimed at ensuring that civil servants in Sarawak, especially those aged below 40, understood the government’s aspirations.

“We want the civil servants to understand the government’s aspirations and transformation.

“We want them to know where they are heading to.

“The people’s expectations have changed over the years, so the civil service must be able to cope, respond promptly and ensure that the government’s policies are delivered effectively.

“If we cannot understand the government’s aspirations and policies, we cannot function well or adjust ourselves in an ever-changing world.”

PIC BY MOHD RADZI BUJANG Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman (standing, fourth from left) flanked by Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda (left) and state secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani at the National Transformation...