He said NUTP only recorded less than 1% of such cases among its 200,000 members from the overall 430,000 teachers nationwide.
“For example, there are about 3,000 teachers in my district in Pahang but no case has been taken to court. The cases mostly involved large and developed urban areas.
“The parents are seen to be over-protective and listen to the advice of lawyers who are often business-oriented, merely to reap profit rather than to help the development of the school and students,” he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
Yesterday, Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry gave its assurance to protect teachers if they were sued by parents but hoped legal action would be the last resort of parents because any problem could be solved via internal discussions.
Kamarozaman explained that the appointments of teachers were made via the standard operating procedures and the stipulated qualifications. But they are subject to the laws, just like other Malaysian citizens.
“Despite facing numerous challenges from students, as professionals they will continue to teach. But sometimes their actions are misinterpreted as abuse by a small number of parents,” he said.
Kamarozaman said generally relations between parents and teachers were cordial, especially after the introduction of the Parents and School Tool Kits — a programme planned by the ministry to involve parents in programmes organised by schools.
“Through the programme, parents can enter schools, can be involved in programmes conducted by schools with their children, and if there is grievance, parents will also be involved in seeking solutions,” he said.
In the meantime, he also lauded the announcement by Mahdzir and described it as a positive development for teachers and boosted their spirit to serve without pressures outside of their duties.
“This is a protection. Congratulations to the minister because it is a good follow-up measure as we have long discussed this matter with the minister,” he said.
He said teachers who were sued could refer to their unions, education ministry legal advisers or their respective district education offices.