Boy’s father in Cikgu Azizan’s case a no-show at press conference

NILAI: The father of the 11year- old boy involved in the case of Cikgu Azizan did not turn up to give his statement at a press conference scheduled yesterday.

The man, in his 50s, had told reporters that he would give his side of the story that led the teacher to be bought to court at a press conference outside Sekolah Kebangsaan(SK)TamanSemarak, Nilai, at 10am on Tuesday.

As many as 21 reporters, photographers and cameramen waited for more than five hours for the man, with some even arrived at the location as early as 8.30am.

Attempts to contact the man, including through WhatsApp messages, failed as there was no response from him.

It was only at 12.30pm that the man responded to a telephone call saying that he would come, but never did.

Meanwhile, in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan MB Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan when commenting on the case, said parents and teachers must have mutual understanding so that the learning process would run smoothly.

“It’s true that teachers want to educate the students, but there must be guidelines as to what can and cannot be done.

“Similarly, it’s true that parents love their children, but if you love them, you should discipline them. So parents must understand the teachers, and the teachers must also understand that they cannot cross the line.

“That is why it is crucial that there be an understanding between parents and teachers and also the society, so that everyone understands what can and cannot be done,” he said.

Mohamad said in matters relating to the discipline of school children, the parents- teachers association also played an important role so that problems could be nipped at an early stage.

He also expressed regret over what had transpired (in the case of Cikgu Azizan) and said if the case was not withdrawn by the Attorney- General’s Chambers, it would be a black day in history when teachers were sued and punished for educating their students.

On Tuesday, the Seremban Magistrate’s Court granted Cikgu Azizan with a discharge not amounting to an acquittal after he was charged in October this year with slapping a student.

Magistrate Mohd Zaki Abd Rahman made the decision after deputy public prosecutor Hazeelia Muhammad informed that the prosecution had received instructions from the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers to withdraw the charge.

Cikgu Azizan was charged with causing injuries on the left cheek of the pupil at the school’s assembly area at 7am on April 6. — Bernama