NUTP Asked To Withdraw Threat To Sue Parents. Why Should They?

The public yesterday lambasted the National Union of the Teaching Profession for its stand to sue parents who make wild claims against teachers through the media.

The Malay Mail met many members of the public who asked NUTP to withdraw the stand, as it might encourage ‘misconduct’ by teachers.

Yesterday, an English daily had reported that NUTP secretary-general Loke Yim Pheng said the union’s working committee has decided to sue parents who made “false reports of misconduct by teachers and especially those who go to the media.”

It was stated that many teachers were victimized by inaccurate accusations and the image of teachers have been affected by such allegations which were without concrete proof.

Loke had cited examples like cases in SMK Bakar Arang in Sungai Petani in May; SJK (T) Tun Sambanthan, Bukit Lembu, Kedah; and SJK (T) Kalamagai, Matang Gedung, Sungai Petani, Kedah.

***** We sometimes tend to put the blame entirely on teachers without acknowledging that there are some really lousy specimens whom we call pupils and equally irresponsible bastards for parents. Just observe the pupils troop out of any school after class and you'll get a rough idea on the behaviour of some of the scum lurking there. Raising kids without disciplining them at home, pampering them unnecessarily and leaving the job of bringing them up in the hands of foreign maids results in many troublemakers among our school-going population.

Granted that there are rogues among teachers too. But to demand that the NUTP withdraw its threat to sue parents who make wild accusations is too much. If they have a valid complaint why worry? In any case the NUTP isn't simply going to sue parents without assessing each case on its merits. Filing a suit costs money and is time-consuming.

The Education Ministry must take greater efforts to train quality teachers while parents must endeavour to raise kids that they can be proud of for the right reasons.
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