SARAWAK UNITED PEOPLE’S PARTY PRESS RELEASE

suppadmin | July 12, 2015

by Dato Sebastian Ting Chew Yew

(1) TRANSFER OF SMK LUTONG’s PRINCIPAL MR. MARCUS HUGO to SMK MERBAU

(2) REGAIN AUTHORITY OVER SARAWAK EDUCATION

(1) The recent transfer instructions to Mr. Marcus Hugo, Principal of SMK Lutong to SMK Merbau has caused me and many people in Miri grave concern.

When I first heard about Mr Marcus Hugo’s transfer to SMK Merbau, I was very much disturbed by this and felt extremely uncomfortable. My thoughts went back to Sabrina’s conversion incident this year which involved two teachers from Peninsular Malaysia. They were immediately transferred back to Peninsular Malaysia.

The perception of many people, parents of students studying at SMK Lutong and teachers there, is that his sudden and totally unexpected transfer is connected to the Sabrina’s case which took place in March this year. This perception is real.

Mr. Marcus Hugo has an excellent track record in the educational field. He has overseen the rise of educational standards in SMK Lutong. The school has received many awards of achievement under his leadership.

I spoke to Mr Marcus on Thursday (9/7/2015) and established the facts, which are as follows:

1. The letter of Transfer was issued from DG of Education Ministry KL dated 25th May 2015 transferring him to SMK Merbau Miri and to report to that school on 15th June 2015.

2. The said letter was sent to Kuching Education Dept which forwarded it to Miri by ordinary post.

3. Mr Marcus received the letter on the 2nd July 2015.

4. He has applied for early retirement and if approved he would retire in Dec 2016.

5. PIGB SMK Lutong has submitted a letter of appeal to Ministry of Education KL and Education Dept Kuching requesting for Mr Marcus to remain as Principal of this school until his retirement.

Since, the people of Sarawak and myself feel this matter relating to the unexpected transfer of Mr. Marcus Hugo is of special concern, I have forwarded the above facts to higher authority and will continue to pursue this matter vigorously.

(2) This issue brings up another very important matter. SUPP and the people of Sarawak are of one voice and strongly advocate that Sarawak should regain authority over its own Education system. This incident shows that the Federal education authorities must not manage our educational matters by ‘remote-control’.

We in Sarawak understand our issues better and by that extension, can therefore manage our own educational policies better. How can the transfer of a Principal with such good academic achievements benefit a school just before PMR, SPM and STPM examinations in few months’ time. Parents are justifiably worried.

We hope the transfer is not in retaliation for the Sabrina’s conversion case. People would like to believe that Sarawak’s educational authorities would not have resorted to this type of illogical and unfair action. But the present perception is otherwise.

The return of Sarawak’s educational jurisdiction should be made a top priority and seriously pursue.
[12/07 15:11] W Adam Yii: Cr. Misiah Abdullah – Presiden of Persatuan Alumni SMK Lutong handing over the appeal letters of Persatuan Alumni and PIGB.