Yee Tsai Yiew
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Api-Api Division Information Chief Yee Tsai Yiew has urged the Ministry of Education (MOE) to adopt a more serious and systematic intervention to ensure better education structure in the country, particularly Sabah.
Responding to a recent High Court decision in the suit by three former SMK Taun Gusi Kota Belud students against their absent English teacher, she said the ruling serves a significant step towards ensuring accountability within the education system and protecting the rights of school goers.
Urging MOE to take prompt action in light of the High Court’s decision, she stressed it was important to work towards creating an environment where all students have access to quality education and protected from any negligence or absence on the part of the teachers.
“The High Court’s ruling in favour of the former students reflects the importance of providing quality education and upholding the responsibility of teachers. It sends a strong message that teachers must be present and dedicated to their profession, as their absence can have a profound impact on students’ academic progress and overall well-being,” she said in a statement today.
She stressed that MOE must take full responsibility and ensure that similar issues are addressed promptly by formulating a policy that encourages students to lodge any grievances to the Ministry.
“The Ministry holds a crucial role in shaping the future of our nation through the development and implementation of effective educational policies. It is imperative that MOE demonstrates a serious commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our education system,” she said.
However, she said, should MOE fail to effectively handle the diverse and complex educational needs of the entire nation, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, then the ministry should consider returning the education autonomy to the state.
“I believe the Sabah and Sarawak Governments would be able to foster a more localised and responsive education system.
“This decentralisation would empower State Education Departments to collaborate closely with schools, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced at the grassroots level, ensuring a more efficient and effective educational framework,” she said.
Yiew believes that a robust and accountable education system is crucial for the progress and development of the nation.
