The AGC said the decision to charge the teachers was made after a thorough review of the investigation findings, which found sufficient grounds that both teachers had acted beyond the limits of the rules set.
“Accordingly, the AGC decided to proceed with prosecution to ensure that the welfare and safety of children are protected at all times and that no one exceeds the boundaries of the law,” it said in a statement.
The AGC also stressed that the charges were not intended to undermine the teaching profession, but were made after considering various factors, including the rights and welfare of the student involved, who is a special needs student.
The AGC said it recognised the significant role of teachers in educating and shaping the nation’s future generation.
At the same time, it remained committed to ensuring that every action taken is fair, balanced, and grounded in the rule of law, in order to protect the interests of all parties, especially children and vulnerable groups.
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 SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian two years ago. Both claimed trial.
Choong Kean Beng, 59, who has since retired, was 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.
Lau Teik Hwa, 47, meanwhile was charged with injuring the same student using a cane in the same disciplinary room at 4pm on Aug 2, 2023.
Earlier today, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh urged the AGC to reconsider charging the two teachers, warning that it might instil fear among educators to carry out their duties.
He was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying that the AGC had the authority to review charges after reassessing the facts and circumstances of a case, and such a review would be appropriate in this instance given the issues raised.
On Sunday, a group of about 300 teachers and members of the public staged a protest outside SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian in George Town, Penang, calling for the dignity of the teaching profession to be restored.