Ministry: No sacking of teachers over politics

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has denied it will sack teachers who support the Opposition.

The ministry said in a statement its Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid’s recent comments on the matter last week had been taken out of context, resulting in “restlessness” and “confusion” among the teaching fraternity.

“The minister was giving general advice that it’s better for civil servants who are in the education fraternity to stay away from politics to a level where it can affect their credibility and integrity, as well as resulting in deep hatred and spreading slander towards the nation’s leadership and governance.

“The advice has been taken out of context and been played up by irresponsible people.”

The ministry added the “advice” from Mahdzir was in line with a directive from the Public Service Department in April 2009 in regard to prohibition of political involvement for officials in top management, as well as management and professional group officials.

“The minister did not mention anything specific about which political party to support in the upcoming general election. In fact, he stressed that civil servants must be professional so that neutrality and impartiality can be practised.

In a New Year’s message on Jan 18, Mahdzir had reminded civil servants, especially headmasters, to be mindful of their positions.

He told civil servants, education department officers and teachers not to join any opposition party or criticise the government.