KOTA KINABALU: Three students who recently won a significant High Court case against their teacher for not attending school for seven months in 2017, hope this incident serves as a lesson to all educators and inspires students to speak up when their rights are violated.
Rusiah Sabdarin, one of the three students, expressed gratitude towards her attorney, Sherzali Herza Asli, and all who provided support in this case. Rusiah hopes that there will be consistent monitoring of teachers’ performance and attendance in schools moving forward.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of authorities taking students’ complaints seriously and not dismissing their concerns.
She stated, “I encourage all students to find the courage to voice their concerns and dissatisfaction when their rights as students are disregarded,” one day after the verdict was announced on Wednesday (July 19).
Calvina Angayung, another plaintiff, expressed relief and a sense of justice served after six years of waiting and fighting. She recalled how their English subject suffered due to the teacher’s repeated absences.
She said, “With this decision, I feel grateful that my rights as a student have been recognized and respected by the court.” Calvina hopes this verdict motivates others to stand up and fight for justice, emphasizing that the rights of all Malaysians must be upheld and respected.
She extended her gratitude to their lawyer, NGOs, activists, parents, friends, and all supporters who stood by them during their struggle for justice.
Nur Natasha Allisya Hamali expressed relief and gratitude after years of struggle and perseverance. She mentioned the ups and downs throughout their legal journey, but credited the support from their lawyer, family, NGOs, reporters, and others for keeping them going.
The trial and verdict have made her stronger and fueled her determination to strive for a better future.
On Tuesday (July 18), the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled in favor of the three former students of SMK Taun Gusi in Kota Belud. The court granted their claims and awarded nominal and aggravated damages to the now 22-year-old students.
The defendants in this case included former SMK Taun Gusi English teacher Mohd Jainal Jamran, Suid Hanapi (as SMK Taun Gusi principal), the Education Ministry director-general, the Education Minister, and the government.
In December 2020, the three students filed the lawsuit against Mohd Jainal for not teaching them during the seven-month period in 2017 when they were 16 years old.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
