KUCHING: All incidents involving reports of sexual harassment must undergo investigation and discussion with the school authorities first, said Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Kullin Djayang.
He said the union agreed with the recent statement made by the Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek, who has warned teachers and school staff against sexual harassment, saying those who do would be sacked.
“However, every report lodged must be thoroughly investigated before any action is taken.
“The parties involved need to meet with the school authorities to ascertain the actual situation before any accusations are made.
“We do not want parents to only hear complaints from their children without hearing explanations from the staff involved,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday.
He added both sides must be heard to determine the validity of the accusations.
“If it is proven that the staff intentionally committed the act, we will not compromise on the matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kullin said that the ministry should also clearly outline various types of action considered as sexual harassment.
“This is because some of the teachers or staff’s tasks are related to activities with students, such as sports activities and dance rehearsals, that may involve unavoidable physical contact.
“We, as a teachers’ union, also firmly emphasise to all parents not to make baseless accusations against teachers.
“Unfounded allegations will disgrace the teacher, and therefore, we reserve the right to take defamation action against any party making such accusations recklessly.
“Hence, we assert here that all incidents must be investigated and discussed with the school authorities first,” said Kullin.
