SOCIAL activist Kuan Chee Heng, better known as "Uncle Kentang" led a rally to support two Chinese vernacular schoolteachers charged with caning an alleged juvenile delinquent in 2023 and last year.
He led about 300 people, including unionists and other teachers to support the two educators, who were recently charged in the Magistrate Court here for causing hurt to the teenager, a Form Three student.
After the spate of school bullying, which also included the unfortunate incidents of rape and murder of two schoolgirls, Kuan has received warm support in restoring caning, as part of the main features in upholding discipline in schools.
The brief rally outside the teachers' school of SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian in Island Glades saw the protestors calling for dignity to be restored to the profession.
“Many teachers are demoralised by constant blame and unreasonable demands from some parents. It has drained their passion to teach,” Kuan said.
Among the placards displayed were: “Do not treat our teachers like criminals” and “Honour those who taught you”.
Penang National Union of Teachers Profession's honorary secretary Fadlee Ahmad said the union will uphold the rights of teachers, who are “victimised” while doing their jobs.
They need discipline to be meted out to ensure that the learning environment is conductive for all teachers and students, said Fadlee.
He said society must better understand the role and limits of teachers so they can teach “without fear or hesitation”.
“We do not want to see teachers handcuffed and taken to the police station for carrying out their duties,” said Fadlee.
A teacher and a retired comrade were separately charged at the magistrates’ court with causing injury to a student by caning him at a school two years ago earlier this month.
Both retired teacher Choong Kean Beng, 59, and Lau Teik Hwa, 47, entered a not guilty plea when the charges were read to them in the dock. - October 26, 2025.
