Teachers advised not to abuse privileges in GE

Teachers wishing to be involved in politics or general election campaigning are advised not to abuse the privilege by doing so within school compounds or during classes.

Education Deputy Minister Dr Puad Zarkashi said they must also obtain permission from the Ministry.

"The government has allowed it but they must obtain permission from the Ministry, as announced by the Prime Minister.

"We will not allow any political activities in schools and they cannot teach students to hate the government," he told reporters after presenting the Rembau Department of Education Excellence Awards, here Thursday.

"If they want to campaign, ask for permission. It's not necessary to hide and the approval is up to the Ministry," he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on the opposition's 13th General Election manifesto, Puad who is Batu Pahat member of parliament, said it did not contain a single concrete policy on education development.

He said, unlike the present government which has a National Education Blueprint, the opposition merely offered to abolish the National Higher Education Fund Corporation loans, which would be impossible to implement.

"They should have a shadow cabinet and determine who would be their education minister, so we can ask questions.

"How can Rafizi Ramli (PKR Strategic Director) talk about every single matter, including finance and education. How do we know if what he's saying represents the opposition coalition as a whole? That's why I feel their manifesto lacks integrity," he said.