QuickCheck: Are teachers allowed to be involved in politics?

A recent announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that all teachers are now allowed to get involved in politics.

Is this true?

Verdict:

TRUE

The announcement by Ismail Sabri involves all teachers under the Education Ministry nationwide and Community Development Department (Kemas).

He said the matter was brought to the Cabinet and was decided, in line with the democratic rights of the people, to allow teachers to be political. (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/23/teachers-allowed-to-be-in-politics)

“If it has not been issued, I hope the Education Ministry will issue the circular immediately so that no pressure is placed on these teachers,” he told a press conference on Jan 22.

He, however, emphasised that teachers and Kemas staff are still subject to the rules of their respective departments and that their involvement in politics should not affect their duties.

Teachers under Kemas will have to refer to the Rural Development Ministry for approval before a guideline is drawn up.

Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said getting approval should not be an issue as it has been the practice before. (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/24/involvement-of-kemas-staff-in-politics-an-old-practice-says-mahdzir)

These guidelines, Ismail Sabri said, will not take long to be issued as the guidelines on teachers’ involvement in politics had already existed before but the practice was barred during the Pakatan Harapan administration. (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/24/pm-guideline-on-teachers-in-politics-to-be-drawn-up)

Some teachers have shown their support for the announcement, with the National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Wang Heng Suan stating that teachers have played an important role in attaining the country’s independence and in developing the country. (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/01/26/teachers-want-their-voices-heard-in-political-activities)