BINTULU: Teachers in Sarawak have once again been challenged to produce comprehensive and practical working papers to strengthen English language proficiency among students in the state.
State Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said it is time for all parties to move forward with the implementation of concrete actions, and not remain stuck in debate over the importance of the language.
“We have moved past the question of why English is important. Now is the time to act.
“We must ensure our students truly master this language,” he said while officiating at the Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (SELES) 2025, held at a hotel here today.
In his speech, he also expressed disappointment that only one proposal had been received since he announced a reward last year for teachers who could submit action plans to strengthen English proficiency in Sarawak.
“Honestly, I have only received one working paper so far. However, its content focused more on the lack of facilities, such as not having name tags or whiteboards. That is not what I’m looking for.
“What I want is a comprehensive and practical programme or proposal that can truly improve English skills among teachers and students,” he stressed.
He emphasised that effective education policies must be developed based on grassroots feedback, not top-down directives that do not reflect the realities in schools.
“We don’t want top-down instructions that burden teachers with excessive documentation, which affects their focus on teaching. That’s not what we want,” he added.
Dr Annuar also cited the success of a teacher-driven approach in the science field through the establishment of central science labs and science centres, which are currently being implemented in Sarawak.
“If we can mobilise teachers’ ideas to set up science labs and centres in the field of science, I am confident that the same approach can be applied to English language learning as a Sarawak legacy,” he said.
In this regard, he urged all teachers across Sarawak to immediately submit practical, comprehensive and realistic proposals to be considered for adoption as state policy in efforts to enhance English language proficiency among the younger generation.
A total of 200 English teachers from northern Sarawak, representing District Education Offices (PPD) from Bintulu, Belaga, Tatau, Sebauh, Miri, Subis, Baram and Limbang, participated in the three-day symposium from June 11 to June 13.
