MIRI: Sarawak’s special teacher recruitment drive has seen an overwhelming response, attracting over 16,000 applicants, including both Sarawakians and non-Sarawakians.
However, this has sparked debate, with some local leaders questioning why the recruitment, originally intended for Sarawakians, has been extended to non-Sarawakians.
Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn expressed confusion over the decision by the federal Education Services Commission to allow non-Sarawakians to apply for the positions.
He stressed that the initial aim of the initiative was to reserve these opportunities exclusively for Sarawakians, as part of efforts to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
Publicity and information secretary of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth section Kelvin Hii voiced similar concerns.
He explained that the recruitment plan was not only intended to solve the teacher shortage in Sarawak but also to provide local Sarawakians with career opportunities in the education sector.
According to Hii, opening the recruitment to non-Sarawakians undermines the original purpose of the initiative.
“This is not about denying non-Sarawakians opportunities.
“It’s about ensuring that this specific program addresses the unique needs of Sarawak. Non-Sarawakians can enter the education sector through other channels, such as teacher training programs,” he said.
Hii also urged the Education Services Commission to reassign Sarawakian teachers who are currently working outside the state back to Sarawak.
He said this would not only enable them to serve their own communities but also reduce the financial burden of relocation allowances.
In addition, Hii called on the Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) to advocate for the rights of Sarawakians in the special teacher recruitment drive.
He said that with the national Deputy Minister of Education hailing from the DAP, the party is in a position to help secure priority for Sarawakian applicants.
Hii encouraged the Sarawak DAP to collaborate with the Sarawak government in pushing for this issue to be addressed.
The special recruitment plan, while a step toward addressing the teacher shortage, has reignited discussions on prioritising local talent in Sarawak’s education sector and ensuring that federal policies align with the state’s interests.
