KUCHING, Jan 22 — Teachers from Grade 41 to Grade 48 are allowed to enter politics based on the guidelines and regulations stated in the Service Circular 2010, but they must get prior approval from the Education Ministry Secretary-General, says Public Service director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman.

He said the approval, however, comes with certain terms and conditions as the ministry would not want any of its education officers who holds administrative posts to be involved in politics as there is a significant difference between the two tasks.

"We don’t want any administrative method to be turned into political materials that could lead to a contradiction or conflict of interests,” he told a press conference here today.

He said those who violated the guidelines and regulations would face disciplinary action.

Zainal was met at the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) Discourse Tour organised by the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) at the old State Legislative Assembly Building in Petra Jaya here today.

Also present was Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda. — Bernama