KUALA LUMPUR: Teachers should quit if they cannot adhere to policies set up by the government.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) president, Kamarozaman Abd Razak said teachers should comply with the recent advice given by the Education Ministry on staying away from politics, as it could affect their work performance.
Teachers, he said, should keep their opinions on politics to themselves in order to preserve the harmony between educators.
“It is best that they (teachers) resign if they cannot carry out policies set in place by the government.
“Educators need to know that they are very influential and must be responsible for their words in matters related to politics.
“Clashes of opinions could spark unnecessary debates and arguments among educators,” he said.
Meanwhile, NUTP secretary-general, Harry Tan Huat Hock, said educators must not be distracted by politics.
“Civil servants must not be distracted by politics as we carry out the policies of the government.
“Our job is to follow the things that have been set out by the ministry. If any teachers have any grouses over remuneration, services and professional matters, NUTP is ever willing to serve,” he told the New Straits Times.
Echoing a similar view, Parent Action Group for Education chairman, Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said educators should keep out of politics.
“As educators, we must not let politics meddle with education, as our work performances could be affected.
“Educators also need to learn not to voice out their opinion bluntly so as to avoid from inciting hatred against the government,” she said.
During a gathering of teachers in Putrajaya on Jan 18, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid had advised that civil servants should steer clear of active politics as it could affect their work.
He noted that some teachers and principals held positions in opposition parties, including PKR and Pas, and advised them to focus on teaching their students.
He also advised them to be wise when making decisions and when issuing statements against the government, as it could undermine their position in the public sector.