He said the ministry did not stop teachers from joining any political party on the condition that they complied with a circular issued by the ministry.

“Based on the circular, teachers or Graduate Education Service Officers (PPPS) Grade DG41 to DG48 can engage in politics.

“Those in Grade 52 and above, are required to obtain approval from their department head first.

“We have regulations. It is up to the individuals concerned to abide by the regulations,” he told reporters after closing the Koperasi Guru-Guru Melayu Malaysia Barat Berhad (KGMMB) triennial delegates conference here today.

He was asked to comment on a statement by Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan  Mansor, who had urged teachers to join Umno.

In another development, Mahdzir said he would bring up to the ministry the issue on haj leave of 40-50 days for teachers going on haj pilgrimage.

“It is a good suggestion, but only for teachers going for the haj pilgrimage for the first time,” he said.