Earlier this month, 2 teachers were arraigned in separate courts on charges of intentionally causing injury to a school student 2 years ago, by using a rotan on the student. They both pleaded not guilty and are now waiting for their next court sessions.
Following this, the Ministry of Education (MOE) emphasised its stance against using rotan as a tool to educate students, while experts, on the other hand, believe that teachers should be allowed to use a cane as a prudent form of discipline. Some even called the ban on using canes a step towards following Western education culture.
Uncle Kentang to start crowdfunding for two teachers charged with caning students with a rotan if they lose the case
Now, Malaysian philanthropist, Uncle Kentang, is calling for donations to be collected, SHOULD the teachers be found guilty in court, which may lead to them losing their pensions. Taking to his Facebook page, he urged the teachers to stay strong and to hold their heads up high.
“Only teachers who are willing to work hard enough will often face troubles. Penang people should support them both. Teachers have families, too; they have children, too. They, too, want their students to be excellent. No teacher will want their students to be bad,” he wrote.
Uncle Kentang further asserted,
“The matter is in court. Whatever the decision made by the court, we will abide. But, the most important thing is that teachers, you know, you are right in using the rotan.”
“The law may find you wrong, but your conscience is clear, and you fear no one. But, teachers, hold your head up high. You can walk with pride. Even a judge has to go through school. I believe we, as Malaysian parents, will give you both 100% support.”
He went on to add that Malaysian students do not need ‘lembik’ (soft) teachers, but need strict teachers to become successful.
Should they lose in court, the community will be called in to help
Uncle Kentang explained that, for now, the teachers will have to wait for their hearings and allow their lawyers to fight for them. However, if they lose the court battle, they may lose their pensions. Hence is why, should this happen, the philanthropist will call for parents to donate RM10 each to assist in covering the lost pensions.
“If you lose your pensions, I believe we, parents, can donate RM10 each to match your lost pensions. Many parents who are very concerned about both of you have reached out to me. I think we can easily raise the amount of the lost pensions, should the Government make that decision,”
“In the eyes of the parents, both of you are Malaysia’s education heroes. I have received many messages expressing support for both of you, from your ex-students and teaching colleagues as well. The recent (gang) rape case, the case of Zara Qairina, and the case of the killing of a student certainly speak louder for both of you,” he added.
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