KUCHING: Since the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak has developed drastically and produced successful generations of leaders, doctors and engineers.
However, we should also acknowledge that behind these successful people, there were teachers who inspired and guided them, said Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong at the launching of the state-level Gerakan Massa’s “Terima Kasih Cikgu” programme held in conjunction with the Teacher’s Day celebration at Mydin Petra Jaya supermarket yesterday.
Added Manyin, “The success of any country depends on the quality of its education and the ones who drive the successful people are the teachers. Therefore, we should not take teachers for granted.”
The minister added that usually, Teacher’s Day was celebrated among the teachers.
According to Manyin, Teacher’s Day should be celebrated by parents as well. They should thank teachers for educating their children.
“When the children achieve bad results, parents often blame the teachers, claiming that the teachers have performed their duties terribly.
“The task of providing good education should not be shouldered only by teachers but by parents as well. Both parties should play their roles because they are interdependent. Only then can we improve the academic performance of the students,” said Manyin.
He also thanked the teachers and gave them words of encouragement, urging them not to give up.
Prior to the event, 558 teachers and members of the public participated in a marathon activity.
The event also witnessed the launching of the RM1 Sarawak Education Fund by Manyin. He also flagged off the Sarawak Teachers’ Biker Club convoy to Sri Aman.
The event was a pre-event for the Teacher’s Day celebration which will be launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in Sri Aman on May 11.
Among those present were former Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng and wife Toh Puan Norkiah who is also the patron of Gerakan Massa, state Education director Dr Azhar Ahmad and organising chairman Yul Haidzir Razali Bujang.
