It is hoped that educators in the state would not feel pressured by the COVID-19 situation to the point of resigning.
This is because as agents of change and leadership, they play an important role in leading the community to face the pandemic.
Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that his party has received reports of teachers losing motivation due to the pandemic and expressing the wish to resign.
“When I was in Gerik, I was told by the state education officers that there are teachers who would like to retire early—some as young as 40 years old.
“I humbly request teachers not to do so as they are the ones who should be role models for students. We don’t want teachers to be discouraged and stop teaching because of the pandemic,” he said after attending the launching of the Smart G-Tuition and Free Food Programme for school students under the Cikgu Saarani Tuition programme at Meru Casuarina Hotel.
The programme involves students who are sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, Sijil Vokasional Malaysia, Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia 2021 exams.
When asked further, Saarani informed that he does not have further information on the exact number of teachers who have applied for resignation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same launching, he assured that the state government has no intention to close down any schools despite the rising number of daily cases.
According to him, this is to prevent students from falling behind in their studies.
“The state government always notes the concerns and opinions of students’ parents whenever there is a rise in the number of cases.
“However, we cannot afford to close down schools as we have already received many reports of students losing interest in attending classes.
“I wish to use this opportunity to remind all to remain vigilant because students will fall behind in their studies once more if schools are to close down,” he said.
Nevertheless, Saarani states that the authority to close down schools belongs to the State Health Department based on their assessment of the current situation.
Rosli Mansor
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