The rally, organised by activist Kuan Chee Heng, better known as Uncle Kentang, saw teachers and members of the public calling for dignity to be restored to the profession.
“Many teachers are demoralised by constant blame and unreasonable demands from some parents. It has drained their passion to teach,” Kuan said.
The protesters gathered outside SMJK Chung Hwa Confusion holding white balloons, banners and placards with messages in support of the teaching profession.
Two messages read, “Do not treat our teachers like criminals” and “Honour those who taught you”.
The Penang chapter of the National Union of the Teaching Profession also supported the rally, calling for fair treatment and a review of the caning policy in schools.
NUTP honorary secretary Fadlee Ahmad said the union has always defended teachers “victimised” while doing their jobs.
He said society must better understand the role and limits of teachers so they can teach “without fear or hesitation”.
“We do not want to see teachers handcuffed and taken to the police station for carrying out their duties,” he said.
Fadlee said a proper review of the policy was needed. If it is found that caning should return, it must come with strict rules and safeguards, in line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent remarks.
Ravinder Singh, a retired teacher, said corporal punishment remained essential for discipline, especially in primary schools.
He recalled how a top school in Alor Setar fell into decline because of a lack of discipline and poor enforcement.
“Once discipline goes, academic performance also drops. A school without order is a school without learning,” he said.
Ravinder said he had tried soft approaches like counselling and advice, but these failed to work. It was only after firm rules were enforced, including the use of the cane, that the school’s environment improved.
On Oct 6, a teacher and a retired teacher were separately charged at the George Town magistrates’ court with causing injury to a student by caning him at a school two years ago.
Choong Kean Beng, 59, who has since retired, pleaded not guilty before magistrate Nadratun Naim Saidi, while Lau Teik Hwa, 47, entered the same plea before magistrate Amzar Ismail.
Choong is accused of intentionally causing injury to a 15-year-old student by caning him in the school’s disciplinary room at 5.30pm on Dec 6, 2023, while Lau is charged with injuring the same student using a cane in the same disciplinary room at 4pm on Aug 2, 2023.