KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Gelugor member of parliament Ramkarpal Singh has urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to reconsider the charging of two teachers from SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian, warning that it may instil fear among educators while carrying out their duties.
“It is undeniable that the AGC has the authority to review charges after reassessing the facts and circumstances of a case, and such a review would be appropriate in this instance given the issues raised,” he told reporters in Parliament.
Ramkarpal said prosecuting teachers for disciplining students, including caning, could undermine school discipline and instil fear among educators carrying out their duties.
“It must be emphasised that school discipline plays a vital role in shaping students.
“Prosecuting teachers for disciplining students — which may involve the use of caning — risks sending the wrong message and could instil fear among teachers in carrying out their duties,” he added.
On Oct 6, two teachers from SMJK Chung Hwa Confucian in Penang were charged with allegedly hitting the same student with a cane in two separate incidents two years ago.
The teachers, Choong Kean Beng and Lau Teik Hwa, both pleaded not guilty to charges under Section 324 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of these punishments.
Choong, now a retiree, was accused of intentionally causing injury to a 15-year-old male student using a cane in the school’s disciplinary room on Dec 6, 2023.
Ramkarpal represents the constituency where the school is located.
Ramkarpal also said there had been no prior complaints or disciplinary issues involving any teacher at the school, following discussions with school staff. He added that one of the teachers had retired while the other remained in service.
Meanwhile, DAP national adviser Lim Guan Eng, who represents the Bagan parliamentary seat, warned that the move could have a negative impact on the education system.
“If this sets a precedent, no one would want to be teachers, or they wouldn’t care about their students,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
