Kota Kinabalu: Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook urged the Ministry of Education (MoE) to provide clearer explanations on the need for teachers to sign the newly introduced Student Protection Policy Undertaking, saying educators are already bound by existing laws, regulations and ministry guidelines.
Tham said he received considerable feedback from concerned teachers about the implications of signing the undertaking.
“Many teachers raised reasonable questions. They have long been subject to General Orders, Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations, the Education Act, as well as various MoE circulars and guidelines.
“Therefore, why do they now need to sign another new undertaking?” he asked in a statement.
They sought greater clarity on how the undertaking would affect their professional responsibilities and position as public servants.
Tham said MOE should assure teachers that the undertaking would not result in them being held unreasonably responsible for matters beyond their control, adding that those who performed their duties in accordance with established procedures, guidelines and regulations should be afforded appropriate protection.
“A good policy should not only protect students from safety risks and threats, but at the same time provide certainty and protection to teachers who perform their duties professionally and with integrity,” he said.
Tham said ensuring the rights and welfare of both students and teachers were protected in a balanced manner was essential to building a safe, fair and trust-based education system.
