Six-point plan for teachers

Saturday May 17, 2008
Six-point plan for teachers


MALACCA: A six-point plan to champion the teaching profession and encourage more teachers to take part in the graduate scheme has been announced by the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Grade DGA 29 non-graduates teachers undergoing the graduate scheme under Grade DG 41 would be considered for “time-based” promotion to Grade DG 44.

Under the scheme, he said three years of teaching experience as a DGA 29 teacher would be equivalent to one year’s experience as a DG 41 teacher.

“The Government has also approved the proposal that Grade DG 41 teachers who are not from the graduate scheme and holding the post of headmaster would be considered for promotion to Grade DG 44 after three years of service as a headmaster under Grade DG 41,” he added.

He also said that the Government would improve on the excellent teachers scheme announced two years ago with immediate effect, adding that teachers promoted to the status of excellent teachers would be eligible for promotion to the next grade without having to serve three years in their current grade.


Thank you, cikgu: Abdullah congratulating Abu Bakar during the national-level Teachers Day celebration at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, yesterday as (from left) Mohd Ali, Rashdi, Dr Dzulkarnain, Krishnasamy and Hishammuddin look on.

Abdullah made the announcement during the national-level Teachers Day celebration held in Ayer Keroh yesterday.

The Prime Minister also announced that 10% of the 1,700 posts for non-graduate excellent headmaster posts of Grade DGA 38 would be given to supervisors and teachers serving in the Education Ministry, and state and district education departments, provided they meet the criteria for excellence.

“We have also agreed to upgrade the education district officer posts from Grade DG 48 to DG 52 and DG 54,” he said, adding that district education offices nationwide would be restructured for uniformity while those in Sabah and Sarawak would be abolished.

Abdullah said the Government would also restructure the Education Ministry, which last underwent an overhaul in 1995.

He said successful development of human capital could be achieved only if the education system was upgraded at all levels and the teaching profession was championed.

“There is no higher priority that human capital development.”

He later presented the Teacher of the Year 2008 awards to Datuk Rashdi Ramlan, Datuk Dr Dzulkarnain Abd Rahman, Abu Bakar Shawkat Ali and K. Krishnasamy.

Also present were Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, his deputy Dr Wee Ka Siong and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.