By William Isau
SIBU, May 20: The Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) Sibu Division hopes the Education Ministry (MoE) will implement the Affordable Holiday Programme for Teachers, or ‘Program Cuti-Cuti Cikgu Mampu Milik’ soon.
STU Sibu Division chairman Yong Sie Hing, in describing the programme as the best gift to teachers, wants it implemented as soon as possible.
“I hope that the MoE, in collaboration with its strategic partners, can fulfil this gift as soon as possible, and if there is a lack of time, I think giving free flight tickets to teachers is enough.
“I believe this can fuel the spirit of teachers to serve more efficiently and produce students who can serve the nation,” he said at STU Sibu Division’s annual general meeting (AGM) today.
On May 16, which was Teacher’s Day, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that the programme would be implemented by providing special packages to teachers thanks to strategic partners.
According to national news reports, the minister said this was to boost teachers’ morale and was a gift to them for Teacher’s Day this year.
Meanwhile, Yong also called on teachers in Sibu to join STU to protect their welfare needs.
Only about 60 per cent of teachers in the division are members.
“Strictly speaking, this shows that STU Sibu still has a long way to go, and a lot of effort needs to be made before they can achieve their dreams,” he said.
He took the example of the Bank Union, which managed to obtain a salary adjustment of 15-18 per cent and a special festive bonus of one month’s salary for all its members.
“I am confident and believe that STU is also capable of achieving the same success with the hard work of great and high-calibre leaders and strong support from all teachers.
“The success of the Bank Union is due to the strength of their union,” he said.
Stanley Chiew, the personal secretary of Lanang MP Alice Lau, officiated the AGM. — DayakDaily
