KUALA LUMPUR – The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) is seeking a more consultative relationship with reappointed Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s new cabinet.
NUTP secretary-general Wang Heng Suan said the Education Ministry (MoE) should be prepared to hear opinions and grouses from the teachers.
“Let the opinions and grouses of the teachers be heard, especially from NUTP that represents 230,000 members. Any information should be obtained directly from the teachers and teacher’s union and not only from the higher levels of management. We need to know the actual situation of education in Malaysia.”
He added that there is a need for a better coordination of programmes by different departments in the ministry to prevent wastage of resources.
“Emphasis should be placed on the sacrifices and commitment from teachers to the public as recognition of their hard work. Also, more appropriate action should be taken in defending the image of teachers as they represent the MoE,” said Wang in response to the new cabinet line-up.
Jerome Fernandez, a retired principal from Kelantan and former NUTP deputy president, said the reappointment of the education minister should bring about self-reflection to ensure a better tenure in his second term.
People are not going to be as forgiving the second time around and this is the best time for the ministry to salvage all that went wrong earlier.”
Teach or Malaysia chief executive Chan Soon Seng in response to the reappointment said: “As vaccinations continue to roll out and with the reopening of schools within sight, we believe the Malaysian education system should focus on a comprehensive recovery plan that focuses on students’ needs and prioritises those most affected by the pandemic.
“Beyond schools’ opening, a plan is needed that provides customised support to meet students’ learning, physical health, mental health and socio-economic well-being.
“Empower and resource teachers and schools to meet the needs of their students. Work closely with the parents, and the community, and leverage partnership with civil society, the private sector and other government bodies.
“When schools reopen, parents and community leaders may be able to serve as volunteers in schools to help students catch up with learning,” said Chan, who has 500 teachers serving throughout Malaysia.
Md Fakaruddin Ab Rahman, a committee member of Sekolah Dato’ Abdul Razak’s parent-teacher association, was positive about the reappointment, saying the minister had done reasonably well given the pandemic, but conceded the need to address the continued improvement of online teaching and learning is imperative as the pandemic is here to stay for at least another year or more. – The Vibes, August 27, 2021
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