KUCHING: Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, conveyed his disappointment regarding the decision made by the Education Service Commission (SPP) to accept applications for the Special Recruitment of Sarawak Teachers from candidates nationwide.
He noted that the SPP would be conducting interviews for applicants from various regions in Malaysia, emphasizing that the authority lies within the hands of the SPP.
“This move by the Education Service Commission (SPP) is a setback for the people of Sarawak, stirring feelings of disappointment, resentment, and anger among the locals who were anticipating these job opportunities,” stated the Sarawak Indigenous Intellectuals Association (PERANTIS), the Sarawak Salako and Rara Community Association (PERASA), the Raban Semadak Borneo Brotherhood, and the Miri Brotherhood Welfare Association (Kaban Menyadi) in a joint statement released today (Oct 9).
This decision portends a prolonged teacher shortage crisis in Sarawak, lacking a comprehensive and inclusive resolution.
“Fundamentally, it will impact the quality of education for the children of Sarawak, impeding their progression to higher levels,” the statement continued.
The initiative was expected to address the scarcity of primary and secondary school teachers in Sarawak by giving preference to graduates from the local populace.
“The SPP must recognize Sarawak’s jurisdiction in this special teacher recruitment by revoking consideration for candidates from other states and ensuring that only local candidates are evaluated,” they stressed.
“Some teachers from Peninsular Malaysia, when assigned to rural areas, have sought transfers to urban schools or back to their hometowns due to difficulties adapting to rural surroundings. They face challenges such as limited resources and exposure because of the remote locations,” the statement elaborated.
Local teachers embedded in the teaching profession possess a deeper understanding of the issues, challenges, and aspirations of their communities. They serve as exemplary figures and a source of motivation for the students under their care.
“They can integrate into the teaching workforce and undergo training programs at the Teacher Education Institutes (IPG) in Sarawak, thereby boosting the number of educated community members in the long run.”
During a press conference yesterday (Oct 8), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed that the Education Service Commission (SPP) had previously assured Sarawak’s Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, that the recruitment of trained teachers would exclusively be from Sarawak.
“The special teacher recruitment scheme aimed to fill vacant teaching positions in Sarawak with a sole focus on Sarawakian candidates, yet the SPP has reneged on its commitment,” he remarked.
“It is crucial to note that within the essence of the 20 points outlined in the Malaysia Agreement (MA63), point 14 stipulates that the prevailing education system in North Borneo must be preserved for this purpose and should be placed under the purview of the state government.”
“Education autonomy forms a part of the negotiations within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to restore the rights of the regions of Sarawak and Sabah, a process currently underway under the Unity Government,” the statement concluded.
