Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said he felt this recent proposal by a non-governmental organisation would be a good way of disciplining students.

"There are several advantages for parents and teachers if such a system was in place. It will also make the punishment, that could be carried out privately, more effective in disciplining students.

"This is because misbehaving students are more scared of their parents finding out about their discipline problems, compared with their teachers."

Speaking after opening the National Conference of Excellent Teachers yesterday, Puad said parents could also see for themselves how their children were behaving at school.

"This will make the parents more responsible for the development of their children instead of leaving it to the teachers. Parents also cannot accuse teachers of unfair treatment to their children."

The proposal was made by National Parent Teacher Togetherness Council president Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hassan.

Puad said if parents agreed, the ministry could implement the proposal which could help check the rising discipline problems among students.

"(The) psychological pressure of parents constantly finding fault, including accusing teachers of mishandling their children, can cause teachers to become laid-back.

"The ministry does not want this laid-back culture to become a predominant feature among our teachers considering their vital role in nation building."

Puad said the laid-back attitude of some teachers was also caused by family problems and postings away from their homes.

He said the ministry would tighten requirements for teacher recruitment to ensure that only those who were genuinely interested were taken in.

He also urged existing teachers to strive hard to join the 9,293 teachers in the elite excellent teacher group.

"We have allocations for 14,327 excellent teachers so I hope teachers apply to the ministry to undergo assessment to enter this elite group."

Puad said the excellent teacher category gave teachers fast rack career development opportunities.