Truant teacher: Ministry’s dealing with complaints not ineffective

 

A Sabah education officer defended the education ministry’s action in addressing the teacher truancy issue at SMK Taun Gusi, Kota Belud.

Sabah Education Department’s school management chief assistant director Muarifin Sufianto Mohchoeri told the Kota Kinabalu High Court yesterday that English teacher Mohd Jainal's absenteeism was indeed discussed.

This was done during the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Fullbright programme meeting.

Muarifin revealed this in the case of former student Siti Nafirah Siman suing her teacher Mohd Jainal Jamran for alleged class truancy.

He denied that the ministry’s efforts were ineffective and unrelated to the absenteeism issue when questioned by the plaintiff's lawyer, Shireen Sikayun.

Shireen: "I submit to you that the actions of the District Education Office (PPD), State Education Department (JPN), and education ministry were ineffective and irrelevant in addressing the complaints made by Ibrahim Jadoon and Norhaizah Ejab."

Muarifin: "I disagree."

Mohd Jainal allegedly failed to attend classes for seven months in 2015.

Dropped from programme

However, Muarifin remained steadfast despite the assertion that the teacher was no longer part of the ETA programme then.

Shireen: "I suggest that the actions of the JPN are irrelevant to Ibrahim Jadoon's complaint about the first defendant (Jainal) because Jainal was dropped from the ETA programme in 2015."

Muarifin: "I disagree because we invite school representatives to the ETA presentation ceremony every year and inform them about the principal's role in ensuring the programme runs smoothly and aids its implementation.

“Despite any external disturbances, the principal must ensure the issues are resolved."

When cross-examined by federal counsel Mohd Hafizi Abdul Halim, Muarifin admitted receiving reports from Kota Belud PPD that Mohd Jainal had an attendance problem.

Muarifin stated he had informed the matter to the principal of SMK Taun Gusi at the time, Suid Hanap, and received verbal feedback that the principal had emphasised that all teachers comply with school rules.

However, it was not stated whether Mohd Jainal complied with the rules or not. Nevertheless, Muarifin explained that all school rule implementations are under PPD's monitoring.

No formal report

When asked by Hafizi whether PPD had lodged reports about compliance with the rules, Muarifin replied that there was no indication that a formal report would be produced.

This was except through meetings between Sabah JPN and PPD chiefs who agreed with the enforced rules.

The lawsuit against Jainal was filed by his former student, Siti Nafirah, represented by her lawyer Shireen, while the defendant was represented by Hafizi, assisted by federal counsel Fazriel Fardianshah Abdul Kadir.

The trial for the truant teacher case in the Kota Kinabalu High Court yesterday morning will continue before High Court Judge Ismail Brahim today. - Mkini