LETTERS: One of the ways to strengthen the bonds between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia is to have more exchanges of people serving away from their home states.
When Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) established its first Pre-Science Centre in Limauan, Sabah, in 1975, I was among a dozen teachers sent there to teach physics, biology, maths and chemistry to a class of 80 students.
Many were from Peninsular Malaysia and some were from Sabah. Among the teaching staff were two female Peace Corps volunteers.
We enjoyed our stay there and were given an allowance two times higher than our basic pay.
Many clamoured to have a stint there.
Today, we have teachers who come from Sarawak.
One of them works as a deputy principal in a Chinese school in Subang Jaya. There was a year where he could not go back to Sarawak for Chinese New Year, and some parents, knowing of the situation, invited him to spend Chinese New Year with them.
They had a good time celebrating the festival together and getting to know each other better.
The teacher found a home away from home. He was well-liked by parents and students, and cared for the students like an elder brother.
His command of the Chinese language was strong and many wanted to be in his class.
He taught his students with patience and dedication. He was transfered to another school two years ago, but his ex-students still missed him.
This year, he was transferred back to the old school as a deputy principal and his return was well received.
I would not be surprised if he is honoured with the title of Tokoh Guru one day. His dedication, devotion and diligence puts him in good standing.
One of the hallmarks of an excellent school is the strong presence of competent and caring teachers.
They bring out the best in their students and make learning fun and stimulating, earning their students' love and respect in the process.
Good teachers are assets to a school. They know how best to teach, encourage and guide.
DR KOH AIK KHOON
Subang Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times