NUTP denies supporting new student protection policy

The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has rejected claims that it endorsed the new student protection policy, stating that the education ministry misinterpreted their attendance at a June engagement session. NUTP President Aminuddin Awang clarified that the union had only attended to object to a directive requiring teachers to sign an undertaking form.

Awang emphasized that the ministry's use of photos from the session to suggest NUTP's support was misleading. The presentation by the ministry's daily school management division on June 22 focused on various student-related initiatives, not just the new policy. Awang stressed that the union's attendance was not an agreement, as they had already expressed opposition to the undertaking requirement.

The education minister, Fadhlina Sidek, had assured that the policy aimed to protect students without placing excessive burden on teachers. The ministry had also assured stakeholders, including NUTP, that it would hold a special session to provide further details before the July 1 circular requiring teachers to sign the undertaking form.

Awang regretted the repeated postponement of a follow-up meeting requested by the union, noting that they preferred direct negotiations with the ministry to address their concerns before taking any further action.