‘Engage teachers’ unions to improve education system’

Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union ( KGBS) has called on Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik to also engage teachers’ unions other than members of the public in getting feedback on ways to improve the country’s education system.

Its president Ahmad Malie, who made the call, hoped the minister will not neglect the role played by teachers’ unions.

“This is because teachers’ unions represent teachers in the country which can voice out what will be implemented later is ‘ teachers-friendly’ – that is something that will reduce teachers’ burden, which can eventually provide opportunity for the teaching fraternity to carry out their responsibilities more effectively.

“Furthermore, teachers are the implementing group for each policy which will be decided later. In this regard, KGBS hopes that teachers’ unions will be invited to discuss together in effort to fine-tune suggestions and views receive from the public,” he said yesterday.

Ahmad made the remarks in response to Maszlee’s recent statement in the latter’s Facebook page that his team has set up an online form for the public to send in their feedback on ways to improve the country’s education system.

The minister reportedly said since there were so many suggestions being shared on comments and messages on the page, they had started an initiative to make it easier for the public to give their suggestions or issues they want to bring up.

On this, Ahmad said: “KGBS welcomes the move by the Education Minister to gather feedback and views from the public in effort to improve the country’s education system.

“KGBS praised the step and action of the Education Minister as it is the best move and right approach to socialise education among the people in the country.

“In this way, everybody will feel that they have a shared ownership in this education and will certainly create a sense of belonging to our educational system.”

Towards this end, he said teachers’ unions have countless times assisted the Ministry of Education ( MOE) to ensure each policy could be implemented smoothly after getting collective agreement.

“In this regard, KGBS hopes that the present Education Minister will continue to be assisted and support teachers’ unions towards strengthening our education system,” he said.