Authorities are reportedly zooming in on PAS' network of kindergartens and schools over an alleged wage dispute involving its teachers.
According to a purported memo from the Labour Department, all of its office branches have been tasked with inspecting Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) kindergartens, as well as Sekolah Rendah and Sekolah Menengah Integrasi Teras Islam (Sriti and Smiti) primary and secondary schools.
This is reportedly to determine the employment status of their teachers and staff.
Pasti, Sriti and Smiti are all operated under PAS Youth, which touts the learning institutions as a volunteer effort.
The institutes are not legally registered as schools, nurseries or kindergartens.
The purported memo stated that the inspection order was in relation to a cabinet meeting on March 8, where the issue of Pasti, Sriti and Smiti teachers and staff allegedly being paid below minimum wage was reportedly discussed.
The document was widely shared online yesterday after a social media account - Hak Pasti (Pasti Rights) - posted it.
The account has been advocating for Pasti teachers’ rights since 2020, with wage disputes being a particular focus.
Brought up in Parliament
Hours after the memo was posted on social media, it was raised in Parliament by Sri Gading MP Aminolhuda Hassan, who asked Human Resources Minister Steven Sim to elaborate on the order.
Sim, however, neither confirmed nor denied that the Labour Department was inspecting the PAS education facilities.
Instead, he warned that regardless of political affiliation, his ministry would be taking action if workers' rights were not upheld.
"It does not matter which political party, DAP or PAS, all have to follow the law.
"We will not compromise, no matter who you are, private or government, political party or not, the Human Resources Ministry will take action if workers' rights are not upheld.
"If you did no wrong, then don't be afraid, we (the ministry) will help," Sim told the Dewan Rakyat.
He gave a similar reply when Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden questioned why the ministry and the Labour Department were investigating Pasti even though all its teachers were "volunteers".
‘Pasti teachers get compensation’
In a press conference at the Parliament media room shortly after, Afnan continued his line of questioning, asking why action was only being taken against Pasti now after 40 years in operation.
The PAS Youth chief also clarified that even though Pasti teachers are volunteers and not employees, they do receive compensation.
"Even though they teach children of PAS members and supporters voluntarily, they are given consolation in the form of money to cover their food and travel costs.
"The payments given are borne by PAS divisions and branches, based on what they are able to do.
"Pasti teachers are allowed not to show up for duty, and PAS branches are informed to then find other members who are free to take over those duties," Afnan said.
Additionally, he said that on March 7, the Social Security Organisation (Socso) had given approval for Pasti teachers to make contributions under the individual workers’ protection scheme.
Afnan said Pasti is also a not-for-profit operation.
"The payments (for tuition) is the bare minimum to cover the cost of meals, student welfare activities, and other activities, including rent and maintenance of premises," he added. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.