Teachers want role in council
TEACHERS too can help tackle economic challenges facing the country.
Top businessmen, experts, and academics, have lauded the setting up of a special council expected to set a clearer agenda for the country’s economic directions.
And, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) wants to do its part.
NUTP secretary-general Harry Tan said the union’s 220,000 members are responsible for the country’s manpower, and could play a role in the special council.
On Monday, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement on the newly formed Economic Action Council.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his key economic and finance ministers feature in the 16-strong committee that includes Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), and Mara representatives.
The council’s main aim is to encourage and stimulate sustainable economic growth, equitable distribution of wealth and further enhance the well-being of the people.
Said Tan: “We teach students life skills. We give them a foundation to build on so that they can provide for their families and contribute to the nation’s growth.”
He said the NUTP could help create a healthy, crime-free nation, so that the government’s burden of providing social services, could be lessened.
“We want in. We’re willing to work with the government in addressing training and manpower issues especially those relating to the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET),” he said, adding that the importance of good values inculcated in schools, could go far in building a resilient workforce.
Unity, which is the cornerstone of a thriving economy, starts in classrooms.
“From a young age, our young talents must feel like they belong and can each make a difference in shaping the future. They must see diversity as a strength.”
The union, he said, wants Bahasa Melayu to be a common language fluently spoken by students of all races.
“But, we want to make sure that they are multilingual. To be competitive globally, they must not only master English, but other languages because it will give us an edge.”