MP renews call for free annual flight for teachers in Sarawak
SIBU (June 21): The Sarawak government should consider a proposal put forward last year for teachers serving in the state to be granted one free flight ticket annually, as a token of appreciation for their services.
In stating this, Lanang MP Alice Lau said the proposal by Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) Sibu chairman Yong Sie Hing remains highly relevant considering the challenges and sacrifices faced by educators, especially those stationed far from their hometowns.
'This is even timelier with the Sarawak government's plan to establish its own airline following the takeover of MASwings, which is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.
'I hope this proposal can be realised in the interest of teachers' welfare,' she said in a speech delivered by her special assistant Stanley Chiew.
Chiew was representing Lau at STU Sibu's 22nd annual general meeting held at Laila Taib College here today.
In her speech, the MP also said she supported STU's call for more teachers in the state to join the union to enjoy the benefits of the Madani Workers Card, which offers up to 30 per cent discounts on goods and services from over 100 companies nationwide.
'I believe that only through a strong union can teachers' voices be heard and their welfare safeguarded,' she added.
Meanwhile, STU president Kullin Djayang reminded all members not to openly express dissatisfaction with government policies on social media or other platforms, but instead channel any grouses through the union.
He also informed that STU will conduct a survey among its members to identify teachers who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies at the Master's and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels, following support received from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
'This initiative is a preliminary step towards the potential provision of free higher education for educators by 2026.
'The minister (Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn) has agreed with the proposal and has requested STU to conduct a survey to determine the actual number of teachers who are interested.
'If we apply to study at state-owned universities, there is a strong possibility that the studies could be made free of charge,' he said. Alice Lau free flights teachers
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