BETONG: A lack of enthusiasm to be teachers and not being strong enough to face challenges are believed to be the main factors behind many teachers refusing to be placed in Sarawak.
According to the Spaoh Islam Khairat Trust Board (Lakis) Chairman Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi, a total of 222 teachers who rejected offers to serve in Sarawak were unlike the previous generations of teachers.
He said in the past, they were willing to be placed anywhere without looking at state and region, regardless whether it was far or near.
“The tenacity to face challenges is not there, so that’s why I say the teachers who served before were different from the 222 teachers who rejected the offer to serve here,” he said.
Abang Ismail was reacting to a number of teachers who despite being recruited did not report for duty or refused to be posted to Sarawak.
He had previously stated that the reluctance of teachers from Peninsular Malaysia to be posted in Sarawak is not a new issue in the Education Service Officer Employment Scheme in Malaysia.
“It’s just that it’s less hyped, maybe because of the small numbers, but for me this issue needs to be addressed together to find the real cause of why this happens.
“If it is due to the fact that they are already married and so on, I believe the Ministry of Education (MoE) provides many facilities and services for them in order to minimise these problems.
“And I honestly praise and respect teachers from the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) who have a high spirit to serve anywhere without choosing a location.
“I think the 222 people who did not accept the offer and refused, are likely not among the IPG graduates.
“Maybe they are local or foreign university graduates who have specialisation fields other than education,” he said.
Abang Ismail did not rule out other factors for their reluctance to report themselves, for example, not willing to be away from their families.
“But there should be no more of this issue because our communication system is now very sophisticated.
“If you feel really homesick, you can go back once a month to visit your family. The fare is relatively cheap using air flights if booked in advance.
“That’s why we’re a bit surprised why there are still people who reject offers,” he added.
He expects the MoE to investigate this issue in depth so that in future recruitment, this situation does not recur.
