(From right) APC recipients Tham Yoh Yin and Saftuyah Adenan show their awards.
KUCHING: Teachers must work harder to ensure students pass the required SPM subjects, especially English which is a weak point for many students.
“We must work hard to make sure they don’t fail these subjects – English, Bahasa Malaysia and History,” said Minister of Women, Welfare and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah during the presentation of state Education Department’s Excellence Service Award (APC) 2014 yesterday.
Fatimah said the students’ outcome was the result of educators and the teaching system.
“Prosperous societies are built on the foundation of a strong education system. Malaysia is in the process of transforming its education system, as stated in the education masterplan.
“The government wants more school leaders who are better prepared to meet the needs of the 21st century, and equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude.
“The government has allocated RM56 billion for education in 2015. About 600,000 of the 1.6 million public sector workforce are in the education sector,” she added.
Through the education system, the government wanted to produce capable adults, economically successful and engaged citizens, innovators, community builders, skilled workers, entrepreneurs and leaders.
Yesterday, 65 members of the education sector were awarded the APC for their good performance last year. Out of that number 38 were teachers and 27 were officers and staff members.
Deputy Education director Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus was also present.