KUALA LUMPUR: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has hit out at claims that teachers form the largest group of civil servants who falsify their medical leave certificates or MCs.
"We have over 400,000 committed teachers nationwide carrying out their duties with integrity," she said in a statement.
She was commenting on a news report quoting Cuepacs which claimed teachers falsified their MCs more than other civil servants.
The report also claimed some teachers applied for emergency leave for their benefit.
Fadhlina today said the claims made against teachers were irresponsible and painted the profession in a negative light.
She said the issue should not arise as the government paid attention to governance issues to ensure the public received the best service.
Fadhlina said the ministry also has strict rules governing the conduct of civil servants and has monitoring mechanisms to ensure action is taken for any breach of its rules.
The ministry has also taken measures to ensure the wellbeing of teachers including workload issues, she said.