Mahdzir: Reports of me threatening pro-opposition teachers 'illogical'

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid has denied a news report that said he told teachers who held positions in opposition parties to quit their jobs.

According to The Star Online, Mahdzir said the report was illogical and possibly misinterpreted by the reporter.

"Voting is secret, so how can I warn anyone who wants to vote for the opposition?" Mahdzir was quoted as saying by the English daily last night.

A Chinese daily on Friday reported the minister as saying that teachers who hold office in opposition parties should quit as their criticisms of the government were tarnishing its image.

However, a separate report by Bernama has Mahdzir saying that teachers need only put a buffer between their careers and political ideologies.

Mahdzir said he had merely told civil servants, especially headmasters, to be mindful of their positions.

"I only reminded them of their positions and that they must ‘fine tune’ and put a ‘buffer zone’ between their career and political ideology.

"They cannot be going on the same stage with opposition leaders, since they are civil servants who are meant to carry out government policies.

"I have never made any threats or asked them to quit if they support the opposition,” he said.

Mahdzir said it was known that some teachers held positions in parties such as PKR and PAS.

But just like teachers who support BN, he said educators must focus on their jobs and not turn classrooms, school assemblies or teachers' rooms into sessions for political ceramah.

“I am consistent in my message (to all teachers) – remember your role as teachers,” he added.- Mkini