This comes after the government announced today that all teachers under the education ministry’s purview will now be allowed to get involved in politics.

Rafidah called the decision “very concerning”, as those with ties to certain political parties could impart harmful messages to their “impressionable” students.

Propagation of selective political views would not be conducive to nurturing positive values among our students and will erode the core principle of unity in diversity that the nation stands for.

Rafidah said that while anyone has the right to participate in the political process, there must be certain limits to ensure divisive discourse is avoided.

“Some things conveyed under the cover of ‘education’ could impinge upon the diversity of our society which encapsulates race, religion and gender.

“This can trigger problems in our society,” she said in a statement.

She added that the decision would further impact the education system, which is already plagued with “shortcomings and inadequacies”.

“There must be a limit to politics and politicisation, and the unbridled greed for personal political survival.”