SIBU: Teachers unions in the state hope the Ustaz from Kelantan who was recently appointed as a principal will be given a chance to prove himself.
Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) for one, being a professional organisation, is supportive of any teacher appointed as principal or headmaster in whichever school in this country.
Its president Ahmad Malie said this has been the practice in Sarawak.
Furthermore, he pointed out, such practice augurs well for Sarawak which is known as a melting pot of different races and religions in the country.
Therefore, KGBS hoped the local community would give the Ustaz a chance to lead and administer the school concerned with his experience and ability, he added.
“KGBS would appreciate it if the community at large can uphold the spirit of harmony which had long been practised besides not amplifying the appointment and placement of an Ustaz as principal of SMK Sungai Paoh into an issue.
“We, in fact, should receive the appointment with an open heart, treasuring that we are all Malaysians under the 1Malaysia concept besides strengthening the unity among us as Malaysians from all walks of life.
“We should not look at him as an ‘outsider from Sarawak’ but appreciate his contribution and sacrifice as he had served in Sarawak for over 20 years,” Ahmad said in a tele-conversation yesterday.
Recently, the media reported that the appointment of an Ustaz as SMK Sungai Paoh principal in Sarikei had created some uneasiness among certain quarters.
“Such matter had happened before and even now, there are still principals or headmasters appointed in schools, where majority of students are of different ethnic backgrounds from the principals or headmasters.
“Although such matter had happened before, it was never an issue,” he said.
In this regard, KGBS urged the general public to accept the posting without prejudice in the interest of unity among all Malaysians.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) received quite a number of complaints over the matter.
According to STU president Jisin Nyud, the locals were unhappy because there were locals who were fit for the post and worried that students would not be allowed to practise their religions freely.
He said they were also concerned about conversion and the imposition of Islamic values on dress, food and other restrictions over the practices of local people.
“They also asked if the new principal can accept the culture of the people there, especially the Iban community,” he added.
However, he further said, the new principal should be given the chance to prove himself and to do what is best for the school.
“All these years he has proven himself capable in his previous school in raising the school result, I believe he has his own ways and strategy.
“Therefore, the best way now is for the parents and the community to work hand in hand with him and give him the support that he needs to run the school.
“Looking at the principal’s qualification, besides being a graduate, he is qualified to be principal as he has undergone NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders) which is the policy of the government to a teacher to be qualified as a headmaster or principal.
“There are also Peninsular Malaysian teachers like him who hold the post of a headmaster and principal and most are married to locals,” Jisin said.
He said some of them preferred to stay in Sarawak because it is peaceful.
Due to their long stay in the state, they have assimilated with the local community and can speak local dialects or languages, he pointed out.
However, with the issue going viral, he hoped the Education Ministry would look into the expectations of the people.
“For example, if there is vacancy in Sarikei, then try to look for candidates who are from Sarikei or nearby divisions,” suggested Jisin.