KUALA LUMPUR – Corruption is the root of many problems in the education system, including alleged cover-ups, extreme absenteeism and retaliatory behaviours.
In an effort to address the matter, the Tiada.Guru campaign stated that cover-ups should not be tolerated and protection should be given to whistle-blowers.
The history of cover-ups will snowball into institutional issues, claimed campaign spokesman Fiqah Roslan during a recent webinar.
“There is always reluctance to take action when matters are reported. Preserving the interest of institutions often take precedence over the interest of students,” she said.
“For example, in the issues of period spot checks and extreme absenteeism, witnesses are penalised and persecuted, and communities lose trust.
“Most education ministers put politics before their jobs, and do not even have the right experience for the posts. Our children do not have time to be guinea pigs.
“Our whole society is based on the ‘save face’ culture and submissiveness.”
Siti Nafirah Siman, a student from Kota Belud, Sabah, had in 2018 sued the federal government over the alleged misconduct of her English teacher, whom she accused of being absent for seven months in one schooling year.
Lawyer Firdaus Husni said the deficit in public trust for education institutions has kept many from speaking out about wrongdoing.
Firdaus, who is a part of the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights, also said a lot of people do not trust the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and police.
“There should be no tolerance of abuse of power, and where there is misconduct or wrongdoing. Those affected should speak up, and others should support and show their solidarity with whistle-blowers.
Radio host Amy Dangin, who was the moderator during the webinar, alleged that many teachers believe the current system protects offenders.
“Two-thirds of teachers do not feel safe to report any corruption or misconduct for fear of repercussion. For decades, they have worked with this culture; it is easier to keep quiet.
“The appointment of headmaster and Education Ministry (MoE) officers is not based on competency or merit.
“Stop the culture of intimidating teachers with the laporan penilaian prestasi (performance score report). If you look after the reputation of the school, you are looking after the reputation of MoE.”
Firdaus said a change requires Malaysia to have a system that encourages accountability and transparency, and allows civil servants to speak out. – The Vibes, August 6, 2021
