Education Minister Datuk Mahdzir Khalid has advised teachers that their careers may be in jeopardy should they take part in the Bersih 4 rally this weekend. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Nazir Sufari, August 26, 2015.Although it is sure that no teachers will take part in the Bersih 4 rally this weekend, the Education Ministry has reminded educators to stay away from any assembly that violates their contract with the government.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said teachers, as civil servants, should know their role as they have taken their oaths.
"I don't think there are any teachers who would do this. But if there are, it would be individuals, not in a group or they might not have a teacher status.
"If they are brave (to join the rally), then they should be prepared to bear the consequences," he told The Malaysian Insider in an exclusive interview.
He said that civil servants had clear guidelines and the involvement of teachers in any illegal assembly will have negative consequences for them.
"The characteristics of a teacher are to bring light and hope to school children.
"I advise them, if they are willing, not to get involved in activities that can be detrimental to their own careers. But it is just an advice," the Padang Terap MP said.
Teachers, as civil servants, are bound by the Public Officers Regulation (Conduct and Disciplines) 1993, which lists as offences belittling government policies, and actions and joining organisations that are detrimental to the safety and security of the country.
Yesterday, the Home Ministry declared Bersih 4 an illegal organisation and advised Malaysians not to take part in the overnight protest to be held in three cities across Malaysia this weekend.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said the ministry found that Bersih 4 has caused uneasiness and worry among Malaysia's multi-racial citizens.
Alwi said in the statement that the Bersih 4 organisation had also spread propaganda to incite people in a negative way towards the ruling government by spreading leaflets that can cause harm.
The statement said that the various activities by Bersih 4 casts a negative image of the country, adding that it could threaten public order and safety, economic prosperity, national sovereignty and racial harmony.
Bersih 4 is a 34-hour rally to be held this weekend to demand institutional reforms and also the resignation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. – August 26, 2015.
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