Keep teachers out of politics

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob may have unwittingly raised many eyebrows when he announced that teachers who had hitherto been banned from getting involved in politics are now allowed to do so in the name of democracy. It is certainly a bad move.

The fact that he did not give any convincing reasons for lifting the ban gives rise to various interpretations that may be undeservedly negative. A teacher’s duties in the classroom are already onerous and demanding, and fulfilling them requires his or her full attention and dedication.