Teachers can join politics

> However, Cuepacs reminds them to follow the regulations

KUCHING: Civil servants including teachers can participate in politics as long as they follow the civil service regulations, said Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Azih Muda.

“Those in certain grades should obtain permission from department heads should they want to take part in activities such as political lectures.

“But they must not breach their code of conduct and ethics as civil servants as they are bound by regulations,” he said in a news conference after attending a National Transformation 2050 (TN50) dialogue here yesterday.

He went on to defend Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, who was quoted in media reports as saying that civil servants, education department officers and teachers should refrain from joining any opposition party or criticising the government.

“I know Mahdzir, and I’m sure he did not say such a thing. The ministry is the most important institution to ensure a good education for the younger generation, and it is unlikely that the minister will say something (on those lines),” Azih said.

On Sunday, the Education Ministry had denied allegations that it will sack teachers who support the Opposition.

In a statement, the ministry said Mahdzir’s comments at a teacher’s gathering in Putrajaya last week had been taken out of context, which has caused “restlessness” and “confusion” in the teaching profession.

“The minister gave a general advice that it’s better for civil servants who are in the education fraternity to stay away from politics at a level where it can affect their credibility and integrity.

“The advice has been taken out of context and played up by irresponsible people, making it viral on social media and causing confusion among (those in) the teaching fraternity,” the ministry said.

The ministry added the “advice” by the minister was in accordance with a directive issued by the Public Service Department in April 2009.