Persidangan Di Surat Khabar NST

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 233 graduate primary school headmasters have been promoted from grade DG41 to grade DG44 based on their qualifications and three years of service.

This move, made for the first time, was in response to the call by the teachers' union for the promotion of these graduate headmasters in primary schools to be accelerated, Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday.

Previously, headmasters who obtained degrees had to wait for about seven years before being promoted to the next grade.

The promotion carries a salary increase of between RM100 and RM300 and certain incentives and allowances, he said.

"Headmasters are an important part of the education system, and it is my sincere hope that with this acknowledgement of their services, they would be motivated to give their best," Hishammuddin told reporters after officiating at the Excellent Teacher Conference here.
The four-day conference, which is held every two years, aims to address current educational issues, besides guiding participants to enhance their teaching and learning experience.

When asked to comment on the issue of the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English, Hishamuddin said he would have to wait until after the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah results were announced.
"There is no definite date on when the announcement of the decision on the policy will be made, as it is not only my decision.
"I have to take into consideration all views and then I would have to bring up the issue to the cabinet."

He added that whatever the decision, there would still be emphasis on strengthening all the subjects, including English.
Hishamuddin had earlier presented 331 "excellent teachers" with their appointment letters.

So far, 1,804 teachers have been appointed as 'excellent teachers'.