KUCHING: The move to appoint 20,000 teachers is welcomed, alongside calls for stricter and more transparent recruitment to safeguard the quality of the teaching profession.
The Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) President, Kullin Djayang said the union appreciates the MADANI government’s initiative but stressed that the selection process must be handled carefully, particularly by the Education Service Commission (SPP).
He said prospective teachers should possess strong academic credentials, including excellent results in the SPM or STPM, to ensure that high-performing students who aspire to become educators are not overlooked.
“All teacher candidates should also undergo the same selection process, including psychometric screening, fitness tests and special interviews.
“This is to ensure that candidates are mentally, physically and emotionally fit, in order to prevent negative issues involving teachers in schools.
“We strongly stress that recruitment should not be based solely on factors such as candidates coming from the B40 group or having connections with influential individuals, as such practices would undermine the teaching profession,” he said in his statement today (Feb 1).
In addition, Kullin said teacher selection must be guided by actual subject requirements to avoid oversupply in certain disciplines and shortages in others, which could lead to inefficiency and inappropriate placements.
He also stressed the need to consider candidates’ preferred regions, states or districts, with priority given to those willing to serve in areas facing significant teacher shortages.
“This is to avoid cases where selected candidates later reject their postings due to unsuitable placements, as occurred in previous recruitment exercises.
“Overall, we sincerely hope that the government remains attentive to conditions in rural schools, particularly in Sarawak, to ensure sufficient teacher numbers and to strengthen the development of dilapidated schools,” he said.
