Deputy Education Minister Says Teachers Cannot Use Their Mobile Phones In Class
However, they can bring their mobile phones to school.
By Sadho Ram — 07 Feb 2018, 02:15 PM
In the case of Vasanthapiriya's death, where a Nibong Tebal SMK Methodist teacher had accused the 14-year-old of stealing her iPhone last month, Deputy Education Minister has said that there are strict rules on the usage of mobile phones by teachers
According to Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan, teachers are not allowed to bring or use their mobile phones while in class
"Teachers can bring their handphones to school, however, they are restricted from bringing it to the classroom where teaching and learning process is ongoing," he was quoted as saying by NST Online in its report yesterday, 6 February.
He, however, added that in Vasanthapiriya's case, it's not clear whether the teacher had brought or used her phone while in class
"Let us leave this case to be investigated by the police and we will know what really happened when the report is out.
"The ministry's next course of action will be determined by the outcome of the police investigation," NST Online quoted him as saying during a press conference.
While there are questions about the teacher's actions regarding whether or not she followed standard protocol for disciplinary cases, the investigation into the case has also raised questions
According to a report in NST Online, dated 4 February, which quoted Seberang Prai Selatan district police chief Superintendent Shafee Abd Samad saying that three investigation papers have been submitted to the state deputy public prosecutor's office.
"We have suggested the suitable sections to be opened for the investigation into the case. It is now up to the deputy public prosecutor for the next course of action.
"I am not sure if the teacher, blamed for causing the girl’s death, will be charged. It depends on the prosecution through an inquest procedure depending on the coroner's report," he was quoted as saying by NST Online.
However, he added that police are still awaiting a response from the state DPP's office.
On the other hand, Deputy Director of Penang Education Department has said that the state education department did not involve the police as it was an internal probe by the department
While speaking about the issue, the Deputy Director of Penang Education Department, Mohd Jamil Mohamed, also appeared to defend the teacher.