Fadhlina urges calm, says ministry needs space to explain school pupil protection pledge policy

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has urged educators to remain calm and allow the Education Ministry to explain the School Pupil Protection Policy amid concerns raised by various parties. The policy aims to provide comprehensive protection for all individuals involved with pupils, emphasizing the safety of students, teachers, and the broader school community. Fadhlina highlighted that the policy includes detailed guidelines on the duties of all parties and procedures to follow in case of any incidents.

She has directed the Education director-general and the ministry's legal adviser to meet with stakeholders to address the concerns expressed by teachers. Fadhlina emphasized that the ministry is dedicated to executing policies carefully and responsibly to ensure a secure school environment. The policy, introduced through a Professional Circular dated July 1, mandates that staff and external parties involved in official school dealings sign a School Pupil Protection Policy Compliance Pledge, demonstrating their commitment to pupil safety.

The policy covers five key areas of education reform: mental health, reproductive and social health education, child sexual violence prevention, pupil protection policy, and teacher welfare and pupil voice. On a separate note, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has called for negotiations with the ministry to withdraw the pledge requirement and replace it with more professional measures.

NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon noted that while the union supports the ministry's efforts to safeguard pupils, the pledge requirement is considered inappropriate and could expose teachers to potential civil lawsuits.