THE Education Ministry announced an immediate freeze on all internal transfers of staff at state education departments (JPN) and district education offices (PPD) nationwide, pending a probe into allegations that both departments were used as political tools by the previous government.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the decision was made following claims that there were political appointees at the state and district level throughout the two bodies.

“I have also instructed higher ministry officers to review again all the promotions and transfers at the JPN and PPD level nationwide that took place within the past two months,” he said at the Higher Education Ministry today.

Maszlee then said he was disappointed as government institutions should not be influenced by party politics.

“With this action, I hope the people will get a clear message that we will not compromise with any unhealthy influence in the administration of the country’s education, especially those who purposely want to make it difficult for us to implement reforms in line with Pakatan Harapan’s policies,” he said.

He added that three states in the north and the east coast had been identified to be involved in such activities but did not specify which.

Last week, the ministry had said they would take stern action against any of its officers who were found to have abused their power in processing applications for the transfer of teachers, following allegations of wrongdoing making the rounds on Facebook.

Maszlee had previously said the matter was serious as it involved the integrity of its officers and an internal inquiry had been initiated on the issue.

Maszlee said a police report had also been lodged by a senior ministry official on June 3 to investigate the owner of the Facebook account, one Nur Amirah, who claimed that abuse of power was involved in the applications of teachers who wished to be transferred. – June 11, 2018.