MCA has welcomed the recent surge in applications for teaching positions at Chinese vernacular primary schools (SJKCs) but said persistent funding and policy challenges still persists.
Acknowledging that progress has been slow and that tangible improvements are still needed, the party’s education consultative committee deputy chairman Felicia Wong Yin Ting called for policymakers to keep these schools in parliamentary conversations to secure the schools’ future.
“Campaigns such as ‘I Want to be a Teacher’, led by the United Chinese School Teachers’ Association (Jiao Zong) and supported by the Education Ministry have shown that when people are informed about the path to teaching, they are willing to step forward,” she said.
“This response, with over 6,000 applicants this year alone, reflects growing interest and belief in the value of education within the Chinese community. That being said, we must not grow complacent with these developments.”
According to Wong, teacher shortages in SJKCs remain a long-standing issue that requires both immediate and long-term solutions.
“One necessary short-term measure is to allow the temporary hiring of qualified teachers, so that students are not the ones who continue to bear the burden,” she suggested.
“Beyond recruitment, the government must take stronger and more visible action. According to Jiao Zong president Cheah Lek Aee, associations have begun offering stipends to successful applicants.
“However, financial incentives should not rest solely on the shoulders of the community. The government must play its part. Investing in our educators is key to strengthening the education system.”
Continued Wong, investing in teachers means more than increasing application numbers. It also involves ensuring teachers have better support to do their jobs well.
She said fair salaries, good working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth can encourage more people to choose SJKC teaching as a long-term career.
“These efforts should recognise the additional cultural and language responsibilities SJKC teachers carry. When teachers are well supported, schools and students alike benefit,” she emphasised.
“Furthermore, SJKCs are more than just schools. Of late, the successful operation of SJKCs has won the recognition of non-Chinese parents and over 20% of students at Chinese schools are non-Chinese, is now becoming a unique trend.
“SJKCs serve as vital spaces where cultural heritage and values are passed on to the next generation. Supporting SJKCs means supporting Malaysia’s multicultural identity.” – April 15, 2025
