KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — The official circular on caning is over half a century old and no longer suitable for the current era, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) told the Education Ministry today.
NUTP secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng stressed that though the union does not support the proposal to outlaw caning, a review of the ministry guideline on corporal punishment must be undertaken to determine more modern alternatives to caning.
“The circular, dates back to 1959... at that time, caning was not an issue—or an offence, for the matter—but things have changed today, so this needs to be looked at,” said Lok during a press conference today.
“Our teachers need a clear guideline and a review would settle any confusion they have,” she added.
Under the Education Rules and Regulation (School Discipline) 1959 circular, caning is permitted under the supervision or with the permission of a principal in a “controlled environment”.
The review of the circular should assess to what constitutes wrongdoings and whether these should warrant caning, Lok said.
Lok also urged educators to be more restrained and mindful of when they resort to physical punishment while the current circular remains in effect.
“Teachers must maintain their professional conduct. They can cane for the right reason, not driven by emotions,” said Lok.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim was quoted as saying this month that caning could be an offence under a new law set to replace the Child Act 2001.
She later clarified that the provision proposed by the ministry under the new Child Act is not meant to outlaw all forms of caning of children, only those meted out to child offenders in court.
Her ministry also pointed out that the proposal to abolish caning in court was in line with principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Malaysia has ratified.
