Mahdzir abused position with remarks on teachers, says Bersih 2.0

Updated 6 years ago · Published on 19 Jan 2018 9:24PM · 5 Comments

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid has come under fire, following his warning to teachers and education officers not to support opposition political parties. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, January 19, 2018.

THE education minister has overstepped his powers when he barred teachers and education officers from taking part in the democratic process, said Bersih 2.0.

Calling Mahdzir Khalid’s comments a blatant abuse of his position, the election reform organisation said the remarks violated all principles of governance.

“It (the comments) violates all principles of governance, for a person of his stature to see it fit to threaten those who are subordinate to him,” it said in a statement tonight.

“Mahdzir’s comment, saying civil servants are welcome to join the government, also displays his ignorance, as he is not able to distinguish the roles and responsibilities of a government from that of a political party.

“This is appalling and truly puts into question his integrity as a minister and a civil servant.”

Bersih 2.0 said the act of instilling in civil servants the fear of economic loss violated their rights, as voters, to choose their own representatives.

“It also contravenes their freedom of expression and right to dissent.

“Civil servants are not the living property of the ruling coalition. They are citizens of the country, and their rights are enshrined in the federal constitution.

“This kind of intimidation should not be tolerated as civil servants form a large portion of the workforce in Malaysia, and are under the direct control of the government.”

The electoral watchdog said a change of government was not necessarily negative, but increased political competition where incumbent parties would be placed under pressure to ensure better laws and policies.

It also called on the Election Commission to investigate the matter, to protect the rights of citizens to vote without fear or favour.

Earlier today, it was reported that Mahdzir had warned teachers and education officers not to criticise the government or hold any posts in opposition political parties. – January 19, 2018.

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Comments

  • Darkening skies are looming over the democratic space we call Malaysia.

    Posted 6 years ago by JD Lovrenciear · Reply

  • Is this right KSN? Why quiet???

    Posted 6 years ago by Anak Malaysia · Reply

  • Typical arrogant behavior of a bully - throwing his weight around and without thinking. When he opens his mouth - stinking filthy lies and garbage pours out. We had a queky psychopath officer at our company. Before he starts to speak - we stepped away to avoid the bullshits that he spits out. Read more bullshit leadership at changenow083.blogspot.com

    Posted 6 years ago by Chris Ng · Reply

  • Teacher's are educated enough to know their vote are secret. So, is their vote a secret or not? If it's not, UMNO leaders are treasonous, traitors. It's the duty of teachers and everyone else to remove them by ANY MEANS.

    Posted 6 years ago by Bigjoe Lam · Reply

  • Does not look good for our country. It is crystal clear, the government feared losing power.

    Posted 6 years ago by Malaysia Forward · Reply