SIBU: There are no words that can describe the appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by the retiring teachers towards the development of human capital.
Pointing out this, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said although this ‘separation’ is a great loss for the nation, he believes it is not the end.
“Retirement is like a major crossroads in a retiree’s life. This is where retirees begin to let go of their duties and responsibilities, say goodbye to their colleagues and enter a new phase of life outside their normal environment.
At this time they need to think about their respective directions, whether they want to venture into a new career or spend time with their families,” he said when addressing as guest of honour at the Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) Sibu Division’s Recognition of Retiring Teachers and World Teachers’ Day celebration cum Appreciation luncheon reception held at a hotel here yesterday.
A total of 66 retiring teachers, out of whom 29 were present, received their recognition souvenirs.
Tiong who is Bintulu MP was represented by Councillor Joshua Ting Fu Ying who read out his text of speech in Bahasa Malaysia.
Tiong said some retirees may have already made plans to spend time with their loved ones.
But, he stated there is no denying that among them, even though they have retired, there are still those who have the energy and enthusiasm to continue to spread devotion and provide better service.
“What is important is a person’s ‘passion’ for what they are interested in. Follow your gut instinct. Hopefully, you will achieve success in whatever field you venture into.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation and endless thanks to all retirees and future retirees for their devotion and service contributions that have been given while serving in the public service.
“Indeed, each of you has played an important role in mobilising energy to make the national education strategy and agenda a success, especially in this part of Sibu,” he pointed out.
“Retirement is definitely a new phase for you all. However, we still welcome the sharing of positive ideas and suggestions from fellow retirees, especially in the improvement process that benefits the people and the state,” he added.
Ting on behalf of Tiong, later announced a grant amounting to RM15,000 for the STU Sibu Division to organise annual activities or programmes for the union.
Earlier in his speech, chairman of STU Sibu Division Yong Sie Hing proposed to Tiong to negotiate and discuss with the airlines to give one free flight ticket to all teachers in Sarawak every year.
He said the exorbitant flight fares burdened teachers to travel after a year of hard work to ensure student excellence.
“Teachers now liken it to a battery that needs to be recharged. After donating electricity to beloved students throughout the year, at the end of the year, this battery is weak and almost exhausted and needs to be recharged.
“When flight fares are extremely high, how can these teachers who want to charge their energy travel outside of Sarawak?
“When teachers travel, they will not travel alone. They will bring their parents, wives, children, great-grandchildren. I am confident that the airline company will not suffer any losses but will also be able to gain considerable profit from this offer,” he opined.
Yong said Sarawak has approximately 40,000 teachers, out of which about 18,000 are STU members.
He believed that if more than 3,000 families can travel to Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah, the tourism industry will certainly grow rapidly and progress.
In the meantime, Yong also thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke for successfully reducing the price of flight tickets for the coming Chinese New Year festive celebrations.
“This step has enabled Sarawak teachers who serve in Peninsular Malaysia and vice-versa to return to celebrate the festival with their beloved families.
“I hope this effort does not stop here, but rather continue to other festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Gawai, Deepavali and others,” Yong added.
Sibu District Education Officer Ahli Chikba, Kanowit District Education Officer Yakup Jai and chairman of Sarawak Secondary Schools’ Principal Association David Teo Wu were among those present.
