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Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
No need for teachers to lead mass movements again, says NUTP
NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers aren't as visible as before but still play an important role in criticising government leaders, especially on social media. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) says there is no pressing need for teachers to lead mass movements as they did in the past, given today's political and social landscape. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers remain important voices when criticising government leaders, especially on social media, even if they are no longer at the forefront as before. He said the landscape has changed, with Malay society now more diverse and materialistic, meaning the old model of teacher-led activism is no longer necessary. 'In the past, Malay society did look to the teachers to lead nationalist movements. But the situation today does not demand such mobilisation,' he told FMT. Fouzi's remarks came in response to Indera Mahkota MP Saifuddin Abdullah's call for Malay teachers to revive their historic role in activism that helped shape Malaysia's independence, culture, and politics. Saifuddin said Malay teachers should serve as catalysts, contributing ideas, community leaders and political activists to steer the nation's future. Fouzi agreed that teachers remain key agents of political change, though their contributions often go unrecognised. 'Their current role is to preserve Malay and Eastern socio-cultural values and empower the younger generation to build the nation,' he said. 'It is important not to sideline teachers in national agendas. Their views must be taken seriously. With 420,000 teachers nationwide, it's possible they could mobilise if the time is right.'
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
NUTP: Parents' role crucial for PdPR participation during Asean Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: Parents' cooperation is vital to ensure students participate actively in their home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) from May 26 to 28, said the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP). Its secretary-general, Fouzi Singon, said NUTP welcomed the government's decision to allow 71 schools in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to implement PdPR during the 46th Asean Summit. "Both teachers and students have experience conducting PdPR from the Covid-19 pandemic, which will help ensure a smoother implementation. "However, NUTP emphasised that parental cooperation is crucial in ensuring students participate actively in their home-based learning sessions. "Teaching and learning do not necessarily have to be conducted entirely online. "It can also be carried out through various methods, including printed modules and assignments prepared for completion at home," he said when contacted. He added that teachers were advised to remain home and be on standby during the two days of PdPR implementation. "Teachers must be aware of their service obligations and understand the need to remain home throughout the official working period. This is part of their professional responsibility." He said the option of replacement school days should be considered, if feasible. "Replacement school days may be a more suitable alternative in some cases, as these could better ensure teacher safety and offer more direct learning benefits to students through face-to-face interaction and clearer understanding of lessons," he said. Earlier, the Education Ministry, in a statement, said 71 schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have been given the green light to implement PdPR from May 26 to 28 in conjunction with the 46th Asean Summit. The ministry said the decision was made to ensure learning continued smoothly amid traffic diversions and increased security throughout the summit period. A total of 30 schools in Selangor and 41 in Kuala Lumpur were allowed to implement PdPR. The schools that will implement it in Selangor are SK Lembah Subang, SK Assunta (Satu),SK (L) Bukit Bintang (1), SK Methodist, SK Jalan Selangor (Satu), SK 2 Jalan Selangor, SK Satu Sultan Alam Shah, SK 2 Sultan Alam Shah, SK Sungei Way, SJK(T) Vivekananda, SMK Sri Utama, SMK Lembah Subang, SMK Assunta, SMK (L) Bukit Bintang, SMK Katholik, SMK La Salle, SMK Sultan Abdul Samad, SMK (P) Tmn Petaling, SK Tudm Subang, SK TTDI Jaya, SK Bukit Jelutong, SMK TTDI Jaya, SMK Shah Alam, SMK Bukit Jelutong, SK Cyberjaya, SK Taman Putra Perdana, SK Taman Putra Perdana 2, SJK (C) Union, SMK Cyberjaya and SMK Putra Perdana. The Kuala Lumpur schools that will implement PdPR are SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, SMK Puteri Wilayah, SMK Padang Tembak, SMK Puteri Ampang, SMK Seri Ampang, SMK Puteri Titiwangsa, SMK Seri Titiwangsa, St John Institution, SK Convent 1 and 2 Bukit Nanas, SK St John 1, SJKC Nan Kai, SK Kg Bharu, SK Pendidikan Khas Kg Bharu, SJKT Jalan Fletcher, SK Jalan Kuantan 2, SK Padang Tembak 1, SK Padang Tembak 2, SK Polis Depot, SK Jalan Gurney 1, SK Jalan Gurney 2, SK Jalan Raja Muda, SJKC Lai Meng and SMK Maxwell. Also involved are SMK Kiaramas, SJKT Appar, SJKC Chung Kwok, SK (L) Jalan Batu, SK(P) Jalan Batu, SK Pendidikan Khas Jalan Batu, SJKC Chung Kwok, SK Kiaramas, SMK (P) Bandaraya, SMK (P) Jalan Pudu, SMK (P) Methodist, SJKC Kuen Cheng 1, SK Jalan Hang Tuah, SK (P) Pudu, SJKC Kung Min, SK Jalan Pasar, SK Dato Abu Bakar and SK Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Schools affected by Asean Summit should be granted occasional holiday, says PIBGN
KUALA LUMPUR: Several schools located near the venue of the Asean Summit 2025 should be granted an occasional holiday to ensure the smooth running of the regional event, as well as to ensure the safety and comfort of all parties involved. The National Parents and Teachers Association Council (PIBGN) president, associate professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan, stated that granting this occasional holiday was not only practical for traffic and logistics management, but also provides relief to parents and teachers who do not have to face traffic congestion. "The Asean Summit usually involves many activities that alter routes and traffic, with the surrounding areas likely to be under strict control. Therefore, granting an occasional holiday helps to avoid traffic congestion that could cause students to be late or caught in dangerous situations, in addition to providing comfort to students and teachers," he told Bernama. He said that the occasional holiday can also be seen as a form of respect for Malaysia's role as a host, as well as enhancing students' understanding of the importance of Asean as a bloc that provides many benefits to its member countries, including in terms of economy, politics, and social aspects. Ali also views the holiday as a relevant step compared to the implementation of Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR), which is sometimes limited by technology access and the digital divide, especially for low-income families. Ali also emphasised that such an occasional holiday was only recommended for schools that are really involved or are near the main Asean meeting venue and does not involve a nationwide closure. According to the Education Regulations (Term, Days and School Holidays) 1998 (Amendment) 2021, such holidays refer to days approved by the Registrar as holidays based on applications by headmasters or principals due to any official school events or celebrations, including observances, ceremonies, or religious celebrations that are either declared by the government or not. Headmasters or principals may designate specific days as occasional holidays not exceeding four days in any academic calendar. If the headmaster or principal provides reasonable and practical reasons, the Registrar may consider approving more than one day of such holiday for a specific official school event or celebration. The 46th Asean Summit will take place on May 26 and 27 and will bring together 10 leaders of member countries to discuss regional issues and foster economic cooperation while advocating for the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. Meanwhile, the National Union of Teachers of Malaysia (NUTP) urged the Education Ministry to consider a more targeted approach to ensure that the learning process would not be disrupted. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon stated that the government could consider allowing only students who will be sitting for the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 2025 to attend face-to-face classes, while other students can participate in online learning. "This is because they will be facing the SPM trial exam soon and need to catch up on the syllabus... so this time is very critical for them. For other students, the PdPR method can be implemented, and this does not solely involve online learning but rather provides modules or assignments to students with minimal communication with the pupils," he told Bernama. Commenting on the suggestion for an occasional holiday, Fouzi said that a complete school closure is less effective as it can jeopardise efforts to catch up with the syllabus and cause time loss for teachers and students. Meanwhile, he said he hoped that the Education Ministry could issue clear guidelines early so that schools could make adequate preparations ahead of the prestigious conference.- Bernama
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
NUTP welcomes move to ease teacher transfer rules, calls for transparent system
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to ease teacher transfer conditions is a long-overdue relief for educators facing pressing personal circumstances, particularly those dealing with family or health-related challenges, said the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP). NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said allowing teachers to apply for transfers after just two years of service without additional conditions would have both emotional and professional impacts, especially for those who have waited years to move closer to home. He said the move would particularly benefit teachers dealing with family or medical issues, enabling them to serve with greater focus and emotional stability. "We thank Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and the Education Ministry for listening to the voices of teachers and making this bold decision. "It provides immediate relief for those facing urgent family challenges, health concerns, or other pressing circumstances," he told the New Straits Times. Fouzi added that while not all teachers intend to apply for transfers as soon as they become eligible, the option will significantly assist those in need. "We believe most teachers want to remain committed to their posts, but in some cases, being able to move closer to home will enable them to perform better and serve more effectively," he said. However, Fouzi emphasised that a proper system must be in place to prevent the new flexibility from being exploited. "We hope a dedicated committee can be established to fairly evaluate each application, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of this opportunity," he said. Previously, the Education Ministry required teachers to serve at least three years before submitting transfer requests, and even then, applications were subject to strict conditions and limited quotas. Fadhlina announced the new policy on Friday (May 16) during her speech at the 54th National Teachers' Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). She said the ministry would now accept applications from teachers who have completed two years of service, without any additional conditions. Commenting further, Fouzi said health issues and divorce were among the main reasons cited by teachers applying for transfers. "Most of the applications we receive are related to the need for ongoing medical treatment at a specific hospital or family matters such as divorce," he said. "For instance, in the case of Cikgu Din, his wife was battling cancer, and he wanted to be by her side to care for her. Situations like this demonstrate the importance of considering transfers based on family, health, and even safety concerns." Last year, the case of Cikgu Din drew national attention after he reportedly developed mental health issues from being separated from his wife, who was undergoing cancer treatment in Kelantan. His initial transfer request was denied as he had not yet completed the three-year service requirement. Cikgu Din, who was teaching in Kanowit, Sarawak, had been travelling back and forth every two weeks to care for his wife. The ministry later approved his transfer, allowing him to teach at a school closer to her.
