KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has proposed the establishment of a Malaysian Teachers Protection Act (Akta Perlindungan Guru Guru Malaysia) to safeguard the welfare and rights of teachers, particularly in terms of workload, safety and professional rights.
Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid,i said that changing times have posed significant challenges to the teaching profession, including actions taken by parents against educators.
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“In the past, teachers who disciplined students would often have the support of parents.
"But today, the situation is very different. Previously, when a child complained about being reprimanded or caned, parents would ask how many times the child had been warned and, in some cases, even add punishment as a form of lesson,” he said during his closing speech at the Umno general assembly here on Saturday (Jan 17)
“Today, however, when a child complains, the first question asked by parents or guardians is, ‘Who is the teacher?'.
"Actions such as reprimanding or caning students could lead to police reports or legal action, undermining teachers’ authority and their confidence in educating,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that Malaysian teachers need proper legal protection so that they can perform their educational duties effectively, without fear or undue pressure.
He said changes must be made to improve the current situation, not to fully return to old practices, but to ensure discipline, teacher welfare, and the quality of national education are maintained.
He also called for the reinstatement of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examinations as key tools to more systematically assess students’ academic achievement.
“I seek the support of delegates to ensure this is implemented. I entrust Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir with the mandate to carry this forward,” he said.
Earlier, a Penang Umno delegate had called on the government to reinstate caning as a formal disciplinary measure in schools nationwide, citing growing concerns over legal risks faced by teachers in the classroom.
Batu Kawan Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Noor Ahmad said he received feedback from teachers at the grassroots level within the party in Penang, the majority of whom are now educating students without using the cane, as they risk facing a legal letter appointed by the student's guardian or parents.
"It is true that this letter of demand is not a punishment, but it feels like a form of intimidation against teachers," he said, while debating the president's policy speech.
