KUALA LUMPUR – A recent “you touch, you go” warning by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek must be followed up with tangible action, now more than ever, says Women’s Centre for Change (WCC).
WCC programme director Karen Lai said the ministry must be held accountable for the recent issue of a woman teacher allegedly molesting her 16-year-old student, following Fadhlina’s zero-tolerance policy against teachers who commit sexual misconduct against students.
“The latest update from the ministry was that the matter has been dealt with based on ‘existing guidelines’.
“However, the details of these guidelines remain unclear. It is important these guidelines be made transparent and available to the public.
“The guidelines must cover not only students but also, teachers who commit misconduct,” she told Scoop.
She also said the ministry should take accountability in taking all disciplinary measures against the said teacher, as well as be subject to the full protection of the child’s identity.
“The public must also be kept informed of actions taken against the perpetrator, to enforce this accountability.
“We need the ministry to walk their talk. Publicise the action taken against the teacher, including, if, she is on temporary suspension pending police’s investigation (into the case).”
In September last year, the ministry launched two guidelines to manage various issues of misconduct, including bullying and sexual harassment. The guidelines are to ensure the students are in a safe place within the ministry’s educational institutions.
Recently, a teacher has been accused of sexually exploiting and grooming her 16-year-old student. This follows screenshots of their conversation that went viral on social media platform X over the weekend.
The user also shared screenshots of conversations purportedly between the teacher and the boy, as well as a video and photos of their secret meeting by the beach.
It was revealed that the boy’s mother had lodged reports with the police and the district education office. The teacher was then transferred to another school.
The ministry did not reveal details of the “action”, and reiterated that it would give full cooperation as authorities investigated the case. – March 27, 2024