Teachers glad matter has ended quickly

Person of interest: Media personnel and supporters crowding around Azizan (hidden) after the case ended at the court in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.

SEREMBAN: Teachers who came to give moral support to Cikgu Azizan in court were relieved when the prosecution decided to withdraw the charge.

Teacher Siti Roditar Abd Wahab 45, from SK Taman Tasek Jaya, who arrived at the court complex with her colleagues as early as 7.30am, said parents should know that teachers only wished the best for their students.

“Does anyone know how it feels being dragged to court by a parent when you only want the best for his or her child?” she asked.

Siti Roditar said parents should be grateful to teachers who were actually doing them a favour by correcting their children’s mistakes.

Abdul Rahman Ahmad, 63, a former headmaster at SK Ulu Beranang where Cikgu Azizan taught previously, said he came to support the latter as he knew how committed a teacher he was.

“He was my senior assistant in charge of co-curriculum and I can tell you he is very committed to his profession.

“Although I am extremely sad to see him being dragged to court, I am happy this episode is over,” he said.

Hasnah Manan, 53, who came with her husband Abdul Mustafa Salleh, 56, said parents should know that teachers were instrumental in moulding children to become successful in future.

“We impart knowledge to students and help them become successful individuals.

“Parents should ask themselves if we would deliberately want to harm their children,” she said.

Teacher A. Harpajan Singh, 53, said many parents were not aware what their children did in school.

“Some children have split perso­nalities. They are angels when at home but can become extremely difficult in school,” said Harpajan, a teacher for 28 years.

Harpajan said he was also happy to see teachers coming out in full support of Cikgu Azizan.

“I have been a disciplinary teacher myself and I know what my colleagues have to go through when dealing with problematic students.

“I hope parents would be more supportive of us as our intention is to correct a student when he commits a mistake. We do not victimise students,” said the teacher at SK Anglo Chinese School.

Adnan Nordin, 49, who teaches at SM Sultan Muhammad in Melaka, said it was sad that Cikgu Azizan was dragged to court.

“I believe that this matter could have been amicably resolved. To a teacher, this is certainly demoralising,” he said.

Adnan, who has been teaching for 29 years, said he also knew Azizan as they were from the same village.

“I am happy that the matter has been quickly settled. It is my hope parents will be more supportive of teachers. We only want the best for our students,” he said.