Teachers in Politics

The government’s decision to allow teachers to participate actively in politics has invoked criticisms and debates. Certain quarters believe that it would help to shape a better political landscape as their ideas can be channelled for the greater good of Malaysians. It is highly hoped that Malaysian politics will grow more mature through their brilliant ideas pertaining to nation building.

Teachers are important in the education system. Their roles to educate our students are vital in making sure talented Malaysians are born in different fields and arena. Based on this notion, I humbly believe that teachers should stay away from politics simply because their roles in education are more crucial than others.

The Malaysian education system has been plagued with various controversial issues. We are always in a dilemma when facing the question on how to produce excellent students. Various ideas have been laid out before us, yet we tend to hesitate in deciding what is best for our students.

As a student, I want my teachers to continue teaching in class and provide us with the joy of learning. I want them to share my happiest moments and guide me when I stray too far from the path that I have taken. I want my teachers to continuously inspire me to dream big and pursue my goal single-mindedly.

In my opinion, teachers should stay away from politics simply because they are good at teaching.

Teaching is part of national service because it helps to nurture the younger generation who will eventually bring this nation to greater heights. However, the reality seems different and much more complicated. Our teachers are now given so much work to accomplish at any one time. We often heard of teachers complaining about their work load and they tend to lose focus on their sole duty of teaching.

Politics could be fun and challenging. But from what I have read in the newspaper, politics could be messy too. There are plenty of examples of internal bickering and party-hopping. The complication trickles down to various levels and this created negative perception on politics.

My question is, if teachers were to enter politics, how would they plan and prioritize between school and politics?

Multitasking could be good but I do not think politics and school are a good combination.

The teachers’ union also welcomed the move as the voice of teachers could now being heard at a higher level. But I personally feel that what they need is a strong union where their presence could no longer be ignored.

Teachers must go all out in pursuing the much needed reforms for the Malaysian education system like what the lawyers did when it comes to the issue of justice and human rights.

Teachers know better about what is not right with the system.

They do not need a political platform as what matters more is the collective decisions from the teachers in pushing reforms for the sake of students’ future.

While many professionals are now making their ways into politics, I believe that teachers should not do the same.

They have bigger things to do rather than getting involved in politics which could get murky from time to time.

It is better for the teachers to equip themselves with new knowledge and skills to nurture students who have vast potentials.

Hence, the teachers need the right knowledge and value in order to discharge their duties effectively.

For the time being, let us leave politics to the politicians.

That is their job. That is what they are paid for. They have to serve us, the rakyat.

How about the teachers? Well, they are here to educate us, the rakyat.