KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has proposed the introduction of a Teachers Protection Act to safeguard the welfare and rights of teachers, particularly in terms of workload, safety and professional rights, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said changing times have posed significant challenges to the teaching profession, including actions taken by parents against educators.
“In the past, teachers who disciplined students would often have the support of parents.
“Previously, when a child complained about being reprimanded, parents would ask how many times the child had been warned and, in some cases, even add punishment as a form of lesson.
“Today, actions such as reprimanding or caning students could lead to police reports or legal action, undermining teachers’ authority and their confidence in educating,” he said in his winding-up speech at the conclusion of the Umno general assembly.
Ahmad Zahid said teachers need proper legal protection so that they can perform their duties effectively, without fear or undue pressure.
He said changes must be made to improve existing situation, not to fully return to old practices, but to ensure discipline and teacher welfare, and to maintain the quality of national education.
Ahmad Zahid said Umno also called for the reinstatement of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga 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 Abd Kadir with the mandate to carry this forward,” he said.
Earlier, a Penang Umno delegate 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.
