The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development should get the federal government to prioritise the recruitment of more Sarawakian teachers specialising in Science and Mathematics to ensure the success of Dual Language Programme (DLP) in the state.
Pending assemblywoman, Violet Yong said the teachers can get their training in any of the four Sarawak teacher training colleges which are IPG Tun Abdul Razak Samarahan, IPG Batu Lintang, IPG Rejang Bintangor, and IPG Sarawak in Miri.
“It is ironic that these four teacher training colleges possess excellent facilities such as science laboratories, yet it is disheartening to note that not a single teacher is being trained there with major in Mathematics and Science subjects. This is truly astonishing and calls for immediate attention,” she said when debating on the motion of appreciation for the Head of State’s address at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
She added that although the state lacks education autonomy, the ministry still bears the responsibility to rectify the situation, as the quality of teachers plays a pivotal role in determining the success or failure of the DLP.
“The ministry must effectively communicate this demand to the Ministry of Education at federal level ensuring that the issue is being acknowledged.
“Sarawak government should insist that Sarawakian teachers who teach the DLP are trained in Mathematics and Science, equipping them with the necessary qualifications to educate our Sarawakian children,” she said.
In the meantime, Yong said Sarawak vehemently opposes being treated as a mere dumping ground to fill teacher vacancies.
“Sarawak needs teachers who are not only compatible with the local context but also possess the necessary qualifications to teach the appropriate subjects.
“We must recognise that assigning non-qualified teachers to teach DLP in Sarawak will not lead to a viable solution for the advancement of our state’s education system,” she added.
