To maintain the standard of teachers is essential

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Education Minister (EM) must take the issue of the quality of teachers very seriously, such as going all out to raise the quality of teachers in the country. At the same time, we must be able to compare the quality of Malaysian teachers with that in Singapore in various aspects, consistent with the objective of becoming an advanced nation by 2020.

On 16.6.2010, Dr Tan comments on the answer in the House yesterday by EM on the quality and performance of 386,000 teaches in the country.

In his reply, EM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says that he is naturally satisfied with the quality of teachers produced. On this, there is no compromise. From time to time, teachers in service are given in-service short- and long-term courses and guidance. Newly Qualified Teachers from Institute of Education for Teachers (IPG)are monitored by the Teachers' Education Section in the first six months of their service, guided by experienced teachers and headmasters, including the mentor-mentee method.

There are dedicated teachers. We hope that the number will increase. But, there are complaints about the quality of teachers. This may be due to many factors. As some become teachers as the last resort, EM must find out whether these complaints are true. Then, he should take appropriate steps to rectify.

We hope that EM does as he preaches. This year, the allocations for primary and secondary schools are RM 10 billion and RM 8.8 billion respectively. Let these be used correctly without unnecessary wastage.

Tan Sri Muyiddin says he pays great emphasis on the quality of teachers. But, he did not answer the comparison of the quality of our teachers with that of Singaporean teachers. How many teachers have left this country to work in Singapore? In the last 20 years, how many have resigned from government schools to work in the private sector and other countries?

We shall continue to raise the issue of the quality, treatment and working conditions of teachers. To maintain the standard of the teaching profession is essential.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw