KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has called for transparency in the teacher recruitment process amid Sarawakians’ concerns.
He said the handling of the recruitment process for teachers under the Contract of Service (COS) by the Education Service Commission (SPP) has drawn criticism, particularly from the people of Sarawak.
“The COS scheme, intended for Sarawakians, has raised concerns over lack of transparency and sensitivity. There have been cases where non-Sarawakians were called for an interview under the COS.
“This has unfortunately reflected on the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), including our Minister and Deputy Ministers. Our YBs, Ministers, and government of Sarawak have been wrongly accused of failing to meet the expectations of the people.
“Let me be clear that it was not us who betrayed the understanding, but rather the actions of SPP whose handling of the situation has led to confusion and dissatisfaction among the people,” he said in a statement.
To address these concerns, he demanded SPP to release the list of candidates called for interviews under the COS scheme to MEITD as the Ministry responsible for education in Sarawak.
“This step would help clear the air and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and fairness in the recruitment process,” he said.
Dr Annuar added he has asked the SPP office in Sarawak but had not receive a response.
“I would also like to remind the public that the recruitment process falls entirely under the prerogative of the SPP and is not within the jurisdiction of our Ministry.
“However, this does not mean that we will remain silent on matters that were previously agreed upon between MEITD and the Ministry of Education (MOE),” he said.
He said the Ministry would continue to voice its concerns to ensure that the initial agreements, especially those affecting Sarawakians, are upheld.
Recently, MEITD Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn had said under the special teacher recruitment drive, about 15,000 Sarawakians had applied for the teaching position, while around 2,000 applicants were from outside the state.
“They (SPP) should see that there are so many Sarawakians (applying) and should just accept them. However, they are considering giving positions to non-Sarawakians, which I am not happy about.
“This is because we had already arranged for this special recruitment exercise for Sarawakians, and it was agreed upon,” he said.
