Kota Kinabalu: The agreement between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Sabah Education Department (JPN) under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is capable of bringing a positive impact on the State’s education sector.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the agreement will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also enable the State Education Department to address educational issues at the local level more effectively.
“Including Sabah’s cultural identity is among the important changes in strengthening interaction.
“I hope that with strong commitment at both the federal and state levels, combined with the strength of the education system, particularly the leadership at the State level, Sabah will be able to elevate the quality of education in the State,” she said.
She told this to reporters after attending the State Leadership Gathering at Dewan Sekolah Menengah Kian Kok, here, Saturday.
Also present were Education Director-General Azman Adnan and Sabah Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
On Nov 14 last year, Fadhlina, in a statement, said the Education Ministry has agreed to incorporate Sabah’s cultural identity into the national curriculum and education policy, as well as approved the Sabah Government’s request for greater flexibility and autonomy in using disaster relief allocations based on actual needs and urgency.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry will allow police to investigate the case of a pupil allegedly beaten by a teacher on Dec 10.
Fadhlina said she was aware that the family of the 12-year-old pupil had lodged a report regarding the incident.
She added that the ministry would cooperate with police and monitor the case.
“Since the matter has reached the authorities, we should leave the investigation entirely to them because the parents have lodged a report.
Our focus is on providing counselling support to the child and his family.
We remind all teachers to be cautious in managing schoolchildren to prevent physical injury.
We are assisting in the investigation process and have reminded schools and teachers to cooperate during this period.
We will monitor the case until it is resolved and provide full cooperation to the authorities, she said.
On Friday, the media reported that the pupil s parents expressed their disappointment with the teacher who allegedly assaulted their son, causing a cochlear concussion.
The report also stated that the parents plan to seek justice through legal channels.
Kerian District Police Chief Supt Juna Yusoff said in a statement that an investigation paper has been opened and submitted to the deputy public prosecutor.
The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
