Massive cover-up by Education Ministry: Ex-teacher
Published on: Thursday, April 25, 2024
By: Cynthia D Baga
Nurhaizah was testifying before High Court Judge Datuk Ismail Brahim in the hearing of the suit filed by plaintiff Siti Nafirah Siman, 23, against Mohd Jainal, SMK Taun Gusi Principal Suid Hanapi (in his capacity as Principal of SMK Taun Gusi), SMK Taun Gusi, Kota Belud District Education Officer, Sabah Education Director, Director General of Education Malaysia, Minister of Education Malaysia and Government of Malaysia, who were named as first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight defendants.
Kota Kinabalu: A former teacher of SMK Taun Gusi said the teacher absenteeism issue in the school was covered up by individuals who have “power.”
Nurhaizah Ejab, 39, said since she became a teacher, the issue of English teacher Mohd Jainal Jamrin, who was sued by his former student for failing to enter class to teach English to students eight years ago, was the worst scandal.
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“I said worst because it involved those who were teachers and this was a massive cover-up involving the Education Ministry (KPM), State Education Department (JPN), District Education Office (PPD) and school itself.
“All these parties were very obsessed with protecting their image and reputation.
“They were willing to conspire and cheat just to protect their positions and reputation.
“From the KPM level to the school they were in a state of stress when this case became public knowledge.
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“At the Ministry level, the Director of KPM at that time was Datuk Amin Senin who was the former principal of SMK Taun Gusi.
“Sabah JPN Director 2015 was Datuk Jame Alip who also former principal of SMK Taun Gusi.
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“Sabah JPN Director 2018 Datuk Maimunah Sahibul was a former teacher at SMK Taun Gusi.
“So they want to protect their image and that of the school they once served. Jame, for example, knew about Jainal’s absenteeism when he was the principal,” said Nurhaizah.
Nurhaizah was testifying before High Court Judge Datuk Ismail Brahim in the hearing of the suit filed by plaintiff Siti Nafirah Siman, 23, against Mohd Jainal, SMK Taun Gusi Principal Suid Hanapi (in his capacity as Principal of SMK Taun Gusi), SMK Taun Gusi, Kota Belud District Education Officer, Sabah Education Director, Director General of Education Malaysia, Minister of Education Malaysia and Government of Malaysia, who were named as first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eight defendants.
The plaintiff is seeking, among others, a declaration that the eight accused are in breach of their statutory duty under the Education Act by failing to ensure that she is taught the English language during the period of February 2015 to October 2015 and prepare her for examinations as prescribed under the Education Act.
Nurhaizah further said during the investigation conducted after the case was filed, she was called to the JPN office and interviewed by a special officer of the KPPM, one Syafidah.
“I have written my statement about everything I know about this case in 2015 on several sheets of paper with JPN Integrity Unit letterhead.
“Syafidah said she would send the evidence to the government lawyer. But they never sent my evidence.
“In fact, I was removed in the final JPN meeting when they were finalising all the evidence documents,” Nurhaizah said.
Counsel Shireen Sikayun defended Siti Nafirah while Senior Federal Counsel Jesseca Daimis and Federal Counsel Mohd Fazriel Fardiansyah Abdul Kadir acted for the defendants.
Counsel Datin Mary Florence Gomez (Sabah Law Society’s Women and Childrens’ Rights Sub-Committee Chairperson) and Yannik Mohd Annuar are holding a watching brief for Suhakam.
Trial will continue in June.
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