(Kuala Lumpur, 16th) Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Sim Tze Tzin, speaking as a “child of workers, a child of students, and a child of Malaysia,” delivered a speech to pay tribute to teachers nationwide and called on teachers and unions to continue to unite in defending the rights of workers.
Sim Tze Tzin emphasized that the responsibility shouldered by teachers cannot be reflected by a payslip; a payslip cannot show the sweat, tears, and dedication of teachers.
He stated that teachers not only teach and guide, but also take on a large amount of administrative work; whether national leaders, kings, presidents, or ministers, everyone's life starting point comes from the patient guidance of a teacher in writing and reading. Today, the Prime Minister is able to govern, the King can ascend to the throne, the country’s president can lead the nation, and even ordinary ministers—their growth and experience all began with the gentle and patient teachings of their teachers.
Sim made these remarks while delivering a speech at the “Teacher Appreciation and Commendation Ceremony” organized by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) on Friday.
He emphasized that workers are very vulnerable if they fight alone, so union solidarity is especially important. Without unions, one is weak; without unity, one cannot protect their rights. Only through unity can workers’ rights be guaranteed.
He also called on teachers to join unions and face workplace pressure and challenges together.
Sim Tze Tzin urged domestic union organizations to stop internal strife and continue to fight for workers with the spirit of unity.
“It’s one thing for politicians to quarrel, but do unions have to quarrel as well? We must remember: strength comes from unity, power comes from unions.”
Therefore, he hopes the internal disputes within union organizations can be resolved as soon as possible in order to continue to unite in defending workers. He also chanted “Solidariti Perjuangan” (“Solidarity in Struggle”) three times—unity brings strength.
In his speech, he also mentioned that during his two years as Minister of Human Resources, he insisted on fighting for workers’ rights, including promoting the minimum wage system, increasing civil servants’ salaries, and strengthening protections for gig economy workers.
Later, the minister also celebrated Teacher’s Day together with all NUTP members and attending teachers. Additionally, the ceremony included a birthday celebration for Sim Tze Tzin, who recently celebrated his birthday.
Other speakers at the event included NUTP President Aminuddin, Penang State Education Department Deputy Director (Student Development) Fazlil, and attendees also included Dato’ Mohamad Shafie, President of UNI-MLC (Malaysia International Labour Confederation).
Aminuddin also revealed that efforts will continue to collaborate with institutions to fight for teachers’ welfare. He also stressed that as long as teachers comply with existing rules and regulations, the union will continue to support and protect teachers’ rights.
Penang State Education Department Deputy Director (Student Development) Fazlil emphasized that if teachers have issues, they should first communicate with the education department at the district or state level; if the issue can be solved locally, there is no need to report to the minister. Only unresolved matters should be reported to higher authorities.
He said that there are unions in the relevant joint committees, and any issue can be submitted through this channel. He also emphasized that joining a union is the right of teachers, and unions serve as the communication bridge between the education department, the state, and the federal Ministry of Education.
He stated that teachers not only teach and guide, but also take on a large amount of administrative work; whether national leaders, kings, presidents, or ministers, everyone's life starting point comes from the patient guidance of a teacher in writing and reading. Today, the Prime Minister is able to govern, the King can ascend to the throne, the country’s president can lead the nation, and even ordinary ministers—their growth and experience all began with the gentle and patient teachings of their teachers.
Sim made these remarks while delivering a speech at the “Teacher Appreciation and Commendation Ceremony” organized by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) on Friday.
He emphasized that workers are very vulnerable if they fight alone, so union solidarity is especially important. Without unions, one is weak; without unity, one cannot protect their rights. Only through unity can workers’ rights be guaranteed.
He also called on teachers to join unions and face workplace pressure and challenges together.
Sim Tze Tzin urged domestic union organizations to stop internal strife and continue to fight for workers with the spirit of unity.
“It’s one thing for politicians to quarrel, but do unions have to quarrel as well? We must remember: strength comes from unity, power comes from unions.”
Therefore, he hopes the internal disputes within union organizations can be resolved as soon as possible in order to continue to unite in defending workers. He also chanted “Solidariti Perjuangan” (“Solidarity in Struggle”) three times—unity brings strength.
In his speech, he also mentioned that during his two years as Minister of Human Resources, he insisted on fighting for workers’ rights, including promoting the minimum wage system, increasing civil servants’ salaries, and strengthening protections for gig economy workers.
Later, the minister also celebrated Teacher’s Day together with all NUTP members and attending teachers. Additionally, the ceremony included a birthday celebration for Sim Tze Tzin, who recently celebrated his birthday.
Other speakers at the event included NUTP President Aminuddin, Penang State Education Department Deputy Director (Student Development) Fazlil, and attendees also included Dato’ Mohamad Shafie, President of UNI-MLC (Malaysia International Labour Confederation).
Aminuddin also revealed that efforts will continue to collaborate with institutions to fight for teachers’ welfare. He also stressed that as long as teachers comply with existing rules and regulations, the union will continue to support and protect teachers’ rights.
Penang State Education Department Deputy Director (Student Development) Fazlil emphasized that if teachers have issues, they should first communicate with the education department at the district or state level; if the issue can be solved locally, there is no need to report to the minister. Only unresolved matters should be reported to higher authorities.
He said that there are unions in the relevant joint committees, and any issue can be submitted through this channel. He also emphasized that joining a union is the right of teachers, and unions serve as the communication bridge between the education department, the state, and the federal Ministry of Education.