I read with horror and regret about the Education Ministry's letter demanding temporary teachers to return part of their salaries ([#1]Unfair of ministry to ask teachers to pay back 'extras'[/#], March 13).

While other more advanced (socially, economically, politically and culturally) countries have realised that elementary education is indeed important and require teachers with university degrees, we are still treating our poor teachers with disrespect.

Imagine the pay of RM800 a month. Even a factory worker can earn more than that! How do you expect to attract quality people to train the minds of our future citizens? A lousy pay will turn away good people and existing teachers will be disillusioned with their vocation.

And now we are asking for them to pay back as far back as 15 years? This is definitely an oversight of the policymakers and the executives, and thus should not affect the morale and pocket of teachers. Already they are doing the work of permanent teachers with less pay, and we are asking them to pay back part of their salary?

Please remember the adage 'if you pay peanuts you get monkeys'. Just go to the schools and see for yourself. I'm not trying to belittle the teachers, as I am one myself. I believe that a just society should pay teachers equal pay for equal work.