PETALING JAYA: An anti-Umno blog accused the Tawau education department of going on a witch-hunt against teachers unhappy with policies mooted by the Umno-BN government. Darman Shah Asakil, the Tawau district education officer, in an official letter, had instructed principals to classify teachers into three categories: White, Grey and Black.
The letter, dated March 1, was published yesterday at a blog called Ameno World.
Darman had instructed principals to categorise teachers who supported government policies and were grateful to the Umno-BN government as “White”.
“Those criticising government policies and known to have a soft spot for the opposition are to be classified in the ‘Grey’ category.
“Teachers who are members of opposition parties and are openly convincing other teachers to question government policies are to be categorised as ‘Black’,” Darman said in the letter.
Darman, however, did not explain why the exercise was necessary but stated that it was a decision made during a meeting with the Sabah state education department on Feb 29.
Letter withdrawn
Darman also warned that the list must be prepared by the principals themselves.
“Remember that this exercise is under the Official Secrets Act,” Darman said in the letter.
When contacted, Darman said he had retracted the letter effective today after finding out via Facebook that it had sparked public outrage.
He also said that the letter was solely of his doing and no one had directed him to do so.
“It was my mistake. I apologise for it,” said Darman.
On why he sent the letter if there were no directives from the state education department to do so, he said his intention was to get teachers to focus on their work, which is to educate students.
“Probably my language was not proper. I’ve already explained the matter to the [education] ministry. I shouldn’t have sent out such a letter,” said Darman.
Sabah state education department director-general Muhiddin Yusin could not be reached for comments.
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