SIBU:
Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) objects to having
anti-corruption and integrity subjects in schools starting next year.
KGBS said these subjects would increase the teachers’ workload.
“Teachers
will not only need to shoulder the responsibilities of delivering
existing subjects, but will be burdened by these new ones.
“Therefore,
KGBS wants any organisation or agency proposing issues related with
education as a subject to first discuss with teacher unions to determine
the relevancy of teaching the issue as a subject,” said KGBS president
Ahmad Malie when contacted yesterday.
He was asked on KGBS’ stand
pertaining to the Anti-Corruption National Key Results Area (NKRA) of
Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) director D
Ravindran’s recent statement that starting next year, anti-corruption
and integrity subjects would be introduced in schools.
Ravindran
said the subjects would be introduced at the primary, secondary and
tertiary levels to create awareness among young generation against the
menace of corruption.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC), which spearheaded the initiative, had been working closely with
the Education Ministry to adopt local and international education models
to ensure the plan materialised.
Ahmad said KGBS questioned which subject would be reduced if the move was implemented.
“If
there is no reduction, then it is clear that teachers’ workload is
increasing, while the existing facilities remain at the current level,”
he bemoaned.
Conversely, KGBS would not oppose if it was
improvement to the content of some subjects, such as moral education or
civic and citizenship.
Both these subjects stressed on human development, he added.
“As
such, KGBS is more confident and believed that the implementation of
anti-corruption and integrity as additional element either in subjects
such as moral education or civic and citizenship will be well received
by teachers, compared to it being a subject.
“KGBS asserts that
education centers should not be made to lump education issues, which in
the end will not bring about the desired positive impact.
“Suffice
for anti-corruption and integrity issues be made or absorbed as
additional element in subjects such as moral education or civic and
citizenship.”
