I REFER to the report, “Teachers in politics draw concern” (The Star, Jan 25; online at https://bit.ly/3GYU1EN). I am shocked at the sudden announcement that teachers are now allowed into politics, as I have not heard of any attempt by any group lobbying for this in mainstream or social media. If there were such a group, it would surely be ridiculed.
We have often heard of teachers being burdened with overcrowded classrooms, administrative duties, courses to attend and co-curricular activities.
Why then would they want to be further burdened by becoming involved in politics? Teachers in public schools are civil servants who serve the government of the day and are supposed to be apolitical. Let’s keep it that way.
There is no doubt in my mind that if teachers become actively involved in politics, they will be tempted to neglect their primary duties.
Therefore, I cannot see any logic at all in allowing teachers to become involved in politics.
The guidelines and standard operating procedure being planned might be ignored. It is common knowledge that there are some teachers who are already actively involved in politics and blatantly flouting the current rules.
Concerns have already been raised over the standard of education in our public schools, declining respect for our public universities and suspicion about the number of students being awarded PhD and other degrees.
Therefore, we should focus on encouraging those with excellent basic education results to go into the teaching profession, improving teacher training and instilling a sense of discipline and commitment to the noble teaching profession.
If a teacher is hell-bent on becoming involved in politics, I strongly urge him or her to simply resign!
DR PETER JOSEPH PEREIRA
Petaling Jaya
