KUCHING, May 22: Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) plans to discuss issues involving unfilled vacancies for headmasters and principals in Sarawak with Ministry of Education (MOE).
Its minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said it involves vacancies for headmasters in Daro, specifically in SK Penasu, SK Nanga Semah dan SK Batang Lassa and for principals in SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, Daro and SMK Jalan Oya, Sibu.
“According to Education Department Sarawak, the prerequisite for appointments to fill the posts of headmasters and principals is to obtain the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) certification which is only awarded by Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB).
“This new requirement introduced by the federal Ministry of Education has caused undue delay in the replacement and appointment for new headmasters and principals.
“Unlike previous practice, Education Department Sarawak had the authority to appoint suitable and qualified teachers as headmasters and principals,” said Sagah during in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He pointed out that currently, all authority including appointments to act as headmasters and principals are centralised at MOE and Public Service Department Malaysia.
Despite the good intention by the federal ministry to improve the quality of school leaders, he said, this has inadvertently delayed the appointment and replacement of headmasters and principals.
“My ministry takes this matter seriously. Therefore, I will take charge and bring this matter and all the other matters brought up by the honourable Members of this august House to the attention of the federal minister concerned,” he said. — DayakDaily
