KUALA LUMPUR - The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) today stands by its decision to charge two teachers for caning a student.
In a statement issued here, the AGC said the decision was made after a thorough review of the investigation findings, which found there was sufficient basis that they had acted beyond the regulations set.
It said it was also to ensure that the protection of the well-being of children is upheld and that no one acts beyond the scope of the law.
According to the AGC, the charges brought against the two teachers are not intended to tarnish the teaching profession.
"They were made after careful consideration of various factors, including the rights and welfare of the student involved, who is a student with special needs (OKU),” read the statement.
It said the AGC acknowledges the significant role played by teachers in educating and shaping the nation’s future generations.
"At the same time, this department remains committed to ensuring that every action taken is fair, balanced, and based on legal principles to protect the interests of all parties, especially children and the vulnerable groups," it said.
According to the statement, the two teachers of a secondary school in Penang were each charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code with voluntarily causing hurt to a student.
They were charged last Oct 6 at the Magistrate's Court (2) and (3) Georgetown, Penang, respectively.
It was previously reported that the two teachers pleaded not guilty to the charge of voluntarily causing hurt to a 15-year-old male student with a cane two years ago.
The offence provides imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or any two of the punishments, if convicted. - BERNAMA