Anuar Ahmad, from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), believed the majority of politicians today were from the business community.

“As such, the political narrative is more focused on economic and business issues.

“Politically active teachers will be able to raise national education issues directly with the government. They will be able to do so with an even stronger voice when they participate in politics.”

Anuar also believed that only a small number of the 420,000 teachers in the country were actually interested in getting involved in politics.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Jan 22 that school teachers under the education ministry, including Kemas kindergarten staff, would be allowed to get involved in politics with immediate effect.

Some parents however have expressed concern that teachers who are actively involved in politics may “poison” their children’s minds and even recruit them later as new party members.

A mother, Nasuha Badrul Huzaini, also had her doubts as to how teachers busy with politics will be able to fully commit themselves to their teaching responsibilities.

“It is not impossible that the classroom will be used as a platform to discuss politics.

“Teachers must not indoctrinate children with their political ideologies. They should instead focus on their core responsibilities,” she said.

Another parent, Nas Norziela Nasbah, asked how teachers will be able to balance the demands of teaching with their political activities.

“Let’s say a teacher is unable to attend school because of an important political obligation.  Is it right then that we still allow him or her to get involved in politics?”

She urged all stakeholders, including the education ministry, to release comprehensive guidelines for teachers so that children’s education is not affected by the new ruling.