KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu High Court's decision has sent a clear message to the Education Ministry that its teachers cannot simply be absent from class without consequences.
Referring to the suit by three former SMK Taun Gusi, Kota Belud students against their absent English teacher, Sabah Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) chief Amos Thien said every student should be treated equally.
"They have every right to proper education, and are taught by quality teachers.
"This will also send a message to students that they have rights, and that they should not be afraid to stand up for themselves if they are being affected by teacher absenteeism.
"This case is a victory for all students in Malaysia, and it is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that all students have the opportunity to receive quality education," he said in a statement.
Thien also commended the people behind the Tiada.Guru campaign for setting up a platform for the students who were affected by the absence of teachers and spreading awareness on this issue.
In a separate statement, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Api-Api Division information chief, Yee Tsai Yiew wants the Education Ministry to adopt a more serious and systematic intervention in its efforts to ensure a better education structure in the country, particularly Sabah.
"It is important to work towards creating an environment where all students have access to quality education and are protected from any negligence or absence on the part of the teachers.
"The High Court's ruling in favour of the former students reflects the importance of providing quality education and upholding the responsibility of teachers," she said, adding the ministry must take full responsibility and ensure that similar issues are addressed promptly by formulating a policy that encourages students to lodge any grievances with the ministry.
"The ministry holds a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation through the development and implementation of effective educational policies. It is imperative that MoE demonstrates a serious commitment to addressing the challenges faced in our education system," she said.
Yee added that should the ministry fail to effectively handle the diverse and complex educational needs of the entire nation, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, then the ministry should consider returning the education autonomy to the state.
Sabah DAP lawmaker Chan Foong Hin said the outcome of this court case would go on to send a strong warning that teachers were not immune to civil suits.
"Teachers play an important role in teaching our children and nurturing our country's future leaders.
"They must do their job to properly teach and not play truant," said Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu member of parliament and deputy Agriculture and Food Security minister.