KUALA LUMPUR – A primary school teacher is facing possible sacking for raising his concerns through multiple social media postings over issues affecting students.
Among other things, he had constantly voiced out on mathematics syllabus deemed to be too advanced for the students, pupils being forced to carry heavy bags to school on a daily basis, and insufficient time to cover the full syllabus of certain core subjects.
Taking to Facebook last night, Mohd Fadli Salleh from Sekolah Kebangsaan (1) Gombak uploaded a show cause letter he received from the Education Ministry dated September 22 threatening him of either dismissal or a demotion.
The ministry had accused Fadli of breaching Section 19(1)(c) of the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993, which bars civil servants from making any comments pertaining to weaknesses in the government’s policies, plans or decisions.
Based on the letter, Fadli was accused of committing the offence on three separate occasions – the first on his comments on heavy bags and dense syllabus, the second on the syllabus being too advanced, and the third on irrelevant syllabus and subjects.
He has been ordered to submit his written representation over the charges made against him within 21 days before a final decision is made pertaining to his fate.
Social media users have since rallied behind the teacher and called out the Education Ministry for taking such drastic action.
In his Facebook post, Fadli lamented that his actions had no personal motivation and that what he has been doing is merely for the greater interest of the students.
He also revealed that his decision to resort to social media to air his views was when attempts he made through the proper channel went unheeded by those in power.
“Such is our system, that they only want to hear praises although these are all lies. Those who are good at boot-licking and lying are given quick promotions,” he said.
“Can anyone tell me if the claims I made were lies? They are all true. Yet, they (authorities) still use an obsolete law to prevent people from stating the bitter truth.
“Until when must we hide the wrong? Until when must we sweep this under the rug? Until it becomes an untreatable cancer?"
Fadli also claimed that dozens of other teachers had also raised concerns of the same nature previously but were similarly threatened with disciplinary action like him.
“They have spouses and children, commitments to settle every month. They are all thinking of their own rice bowl. As such, they needed to abide, although deep down, they are reluctant. Today, let me rise to face this cruelty.
“Let me be the only one facing the risk of expulsion, demotion, and whatnot. If no one dares to stand up, then these damages will persist. If it is fated that I lose my case in court, I will appeal at the high court to fight again. Lose again, fight again,” he said.
The issue surrounding Fadli has since caught the attention of Education Minister Radzi Md Jidin, who invited the teacher for a meeting to discuss further the concerns raised.
Fadli was however unimpressed by Radzi’s decision to reach out to him last night after multiple attempts to grab the minister’s attention were ignored in the past.
“I wonder why? I believe this is because of the awakening of the rakyat. The rakyat is angry because this issue involves their children, and because the ministry wants to sack me merely for my honesty.
“The people’s anger must not be played with. It can even cause the collapse of the government. The rakyat has risen and given their signal. Perhaps this is why YB (Radzi) immediately responded to meet me.”
Fadli said regardless, he is open to meeting Radzi, while urging all politicians and parties not to turn the issue into a political one.
“Everyone knows I have never been political or registered with any parties. If you want to join my struggle, by all means. But if you want to use this as a political weapon, I will not be with you.” – The Vibes, October 16, 2022
