KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) wants the Education Ministry to treat all schools in the state fairly.
STU president Macky Joseph (pic) said all schools must be given fair amount of financial allocation, conducive learning environment and sufficient number of teachers and non-teaching staff.
“Infrastructure and info-structure of the schools must not be disregarded including its hostel facilities,” he said when contacted by the New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Macky echoed the call from the ministry that discussions and consultations with various parties are crucial on any proposals to merge smaller schools.
“STU is of the view that such schools must only be merged with another which has better accessibility and ample facilities and amenities.
“There must be sufficient infrastructure facilities such as roads, telecommunication systems, dormitories and learning facilities.
“The welfare of teachers at the affected schools must also be looked into,” he insisted.
On Tuesday, Education Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said that schools in Sarawak with low enrolment would only be merged following discussions with parents and the local community.
She was responding to a question from Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on the number of primary and secondary schools in Sarawak that would be merged.
