Recruit more locals as teachers

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Chief Minister says effort imperative to overcome shortage of educators in Sarawak

Adenan (left) being interviewed by moderator Sayed Munawar during the live interview in the ‘Programme with the Chief Minister’ at the Auditorium P. Ramlee, RTM Kuching last night. – Photo by Jeffery Mostapa

KUCHING: There is a need for more Sarawakians to be trained as teachers to meet the needs of the state, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said in a live interview on TV1 last night.

He said he had already discussed the matter with Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is Education Minister, during his recent visit to the state.

According to Adenan, many teachers from Peninsular Malaysia preferred to return to their home states after a few months serving in Sarawak.

“If they want to go back home, then let them. So that’s why we have to increase the intake of Sarawakians as teachers.

“If there are not enough trained teachers from Sarawak to teach here, then more Sarawakians should be trained and be posted in the state here as they know the local issues well and are more sensitive to local needs,” he added.

He added it is now his duty to follow through, adding that there is a need to set up more teachers training institutes in the state to meet the needs.

On the issue over what word should be used to replace ‘lain-lain’ in government and all official forms, Adenan said he had no objection if the affected communities decide to use ‘Dayak’.

“They can call themselves whatever names they like. It is up to them to use whatever name they want. If they want to use ‘Dayak’, I agree.

He said a committee led by Minister of Plantations Industries and Commodities Dato Sri Douglas Uggah and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu are looking into the matter.

“There must be a consensus,” he emphasised.

The chief minister added he had raised the issue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last month and the premier agreed that the column for the natives of Sarawak and Sabah could be changed from ‘lain-lain’ (others) to Bumiputera Iban and Bumiputera Bidayuh and others.

“This sensitive issue must be dealt with sensitively. But I have no objection. It is up to you (the Dayaks) what you want to be called,” said Adenan.

On native customary rights (NCR) land, Adenan advised the natives to allow the Land and Survey Department to carry out perimeter survey on their land.

“And if they feel their land is not enough, they can always request from the government. The government will look into it and it can be done under Section 5 and 6 of the Land Code,” said Adenan.

On another matter, he welcomed the views of the opposition and said he was prepared to meet them but cautioned them not to instigate the people through social media.

Meanwhile, on the issue of toll, Adenan, who is also the Minister of Finance, said he was in the midst of negotiating with toll concessionaires either to reduce or abolish the toll charges if possible.

“In so far as power tariff, we will be negotiating with Sarawak Energy Berhad to reduce commercial and industrial tariff to a good rate,” said Adenan.