KUALA LUMPUR – More than just fulfilling quotas, the government must ensure the quality of teachers recruited under its one-off scheme are of high standard, said former cabinet member Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.
Responding to a report by The Vibes, which quoted education stakeholders urging the government to be judicious in its hiring process, Rafidah said this is pertinent to ensure positive, all-round effect for the betterment of the country.
In a Facebook post, she highlighted the importance of the teaching profession, saying educators should forge and nurture good values among the younger generation.
In particular, Rafidah, fondly known as the “Iron Lady” for her blunt manner of speaking, said teacher training is pivotal to ensure education can be imparted in the most effective and relevant way to benefit society.
“What has been stated in the article (by The Vibes) is so true. Wrong things that are taught or imparted in an inappropriate way can have negative, long-term impacts.
“This is especially when race, faith and such elements are introduced, based on purely personal and subjective perceptions.
“We should not play the ‘numbers game’, for example getting more teachers and more of whatever that can be quantified. We must look into the quality of our entire education infrastructure, because that will determine the very future of the nation.”
Education Minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin had last Sunday said the ministry is looking to hire 18,702 teachers in a one-off scheme, with vacancy ads to be out starting July 7 and placements made as early as October.
Radzi said the initiative will not affect regular hiring conducted by the ministry, and that the move is aimed at addressing the lack of teachers in the country.
However, speaking to The Vibes, several education groups expressed their concerns and reservations over the move, saying the right teachers must be brought in to improve the education system.
Rafidah said having public and administrative sector functionaries with strong integrity, honesty, sense of responsibility and accountability, and can be depended upon is vital to push Malaysia forward.
“We should never adopt ad hoc approaches and measures in education, merely to fill vacancies of teachers.
“Studies have already been done by many educational professionals, and reports submitted. The government should refer to these studies and implement the relevant proposal,” she said. – The Vibes, June 24, 2021
