KUCHING: The Sarawak Teachers' Union (STU) has expressed its gratitude to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for allowing school teachers under the Education Ministry nationwide to get involved in politics.
STU president Adam Parkash Abdullah said the union welcomed the announcement as teachers can now participate in political activities without fear of being penalised or punished.
"This is definitely welcoming news in 2022 for teachers as we have often heard of action being taken against teachers who were involved directly or indirectly in politics."
"School teachers can now help disseminate information on government policies to the public as well as advise them on related issues," he said.
However, Adam advised teachers to get their priorities right before getting involved in politics.
STU, he said, also would like to remind all members as well as teachers out there to always be responsible members of the civil service.
"All school teachers must continue to abide by work circulars set by the Education Ministry and to uphold our professionalism at all times."
Apart from that, Adam said, the union hopes the prime minister would also look into allowing all teachers in all grades and positions in the country to be allowed to participate actively in teachers' unions.
He explained that the union is a good platform for teachers to develop their leadership skills as well as a venue for discussion between the teachers and employers. Currently, teachers in the DG48 grade and above doing management work such as headmasters, and district education office (PPDs) staff are not allowed to participate in a teachers' union.
"If teachers can now be involved in politics, let them also be given the freedom to participate in the union. After all many politicians in Malaysia were once a teacher before venturing into politics," he said.
On Saturday, Ismail Sabri announced that all school teachers under the Education Ministry nationwide are allowed to get involved in politics with immediate effect.
He said the permission was also extended to the staff of the Community Development Department (Kemas). Therefore, he said, the MOE should issue a circular pertaining to the permission immediately if it is not yet available.
