KUCHING: A total of 23 Parents/Guidance code of ethics will be proposed to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) to be used in all KPM educational institution.
The proposal was drafted by the Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) together with National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), Majlis Bersama Kebangsaan (MBK), State Education Department, Sarawak Secondary School Principal Association, Sarawak Headmaster Council, Primary and Secondary schools’ Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG).
President of STU, Jisin Nyud revealed that among the proposed code of ethics, the parents/guardians should first refer to the headmaster or principal should there be any problem with the teacher regarding their child.
“This is because the administrator is responsible for discussing the problem with the teacher and parents,” he said in a press conference held at STU’s headquarters here on Wednesday.
He added that the proposed code of ethics included the prohibition of helmets or objects that could jeopardise the safety of many and the school deserves the right to contact the police should the instruction was not complied with.
“Don’t misuse or send threatening text messages such as emails, texts, voicemail, call or other written communications and social media such as Facebook are also among the code of ethics that we will propose to the ministry,” he said.
Jisin hoped that the parents could cooperate with the school for the benefit of many when the code of ethics have been finalised and would be used in the school later.
“We are drafting the proposal not because the disciplinary in schools are worsening but it is a guideline for parents or guardians when it comes to solving their children’s problem which may be related to the school.
“All the while, the teachers have been very quiet as we have our standard operating procedure (SOP) when anything happen in school,” he explained.
With the recent cases reported nationwide, parents have been very aggressive towards teachers when it comes to their children.
“Some of them raise their voices and even slam the tables or doors, and this is causing the teachers to feel insecure. With the advancement of technology, news are spread on social medias and it happens really quick,” he added.
Meanwhile, President of NUTP, Kamarozaman Abd Razak said that according to the statement by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nur Jazlan Mohamed, every week without fail, there would be a police report on a teacher.
“This is a worrying issue for the teachers in school as it is a learning centre but when parents interfere, it causes stress to the teachers,” he added.
Kamarozaman stressed that such situation needed to be solved immediately as the society may find fault with the school.
“We want the parents to solve any problems related to their children with the teacher and school and it is better when they can discuss or raise any issue during the PIBG meeting which is the most suitable environment to talk about anything concerning their children,” he added.
The President of NUTP disclosed that as a teacher, they would want to teach their students and nurture them to become successful.
“We do not want to punish them but we want to teach them, but when it comes to cases of hurt and damage to children, only then the parents can refer the case to the police,” he said.
Secretary General of NUTP, Harry Tan explained that teachers were not angels but at
the same time when anything happen, the school would invite the parents to the school to discuss the issues.
“Solve the problem amicably and that is our main aim as we want to educate our students. Therefore, parents should come to school and have proper discussion,” he said.
