Lo: Federal Two-Teacher Classroom Plan Premature and Risky

suppadmin | November 8, 2025

Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang has questioned the practicality of the Education Ministry’s proposal to place two teachers in one classroom to teach English, Science, and Music simultaneously, calling it a rushed and poorly thought-out move.

He said the plan should first be tested in selected schools before being expanded nationwide, as failure to do so could waste public funds and cause confusion among teachers and students.

“This proposal is being presented as an innovative solution, but in reality, it is a hasty response to complex issues that require careful planning, piloting, and evaluation,” Lo said today.

He pointed out that Sarawak has always taken a more measured and context-based approach in shaping education policies. For example, when UPSR was abolished, Sarawak did not simply follow suit but introduced the Primary Six Dual Language Programme Assessment Test to reflect local needs.

Lo said under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak has remained firm in treating both Bahasa Malaysia and English as working languages, with English used in teaching Science and Mathematics.

“English is not a cultural threat as it is a global tool vital for science, technology, industry, investment, and innovation,” he said.

He criticised Pakatan Harapan’s stance when it was in federal power in 2018, noting that a DAP Sarawak leader who was then a deputy minister defended policies that restricted English as a medium of instruction, contradicting his earlier position in opposition.

Lo also said that while co-teaching can be beneficial in certain contexts, the proposed two-teacher, three-subject model does not solve the problems it claims to address.

“Combining classes only increases class size and workload. Teaching three subjects at once leads to classroom noise, cognitive overload, and confusion over who leads the lesson,” he said.

He suggested that instead of implementing an untested model, the government should use the same resources to reduce class sizes and hire more counsellors and discipline teachers to address behavioural and emotional issues in schools.

“Where co-teaching works internationally, it focuses on one subject, one class, and one lesson at a time usually for students with special learning needs,” he added.

Lo commended Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, and Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis for their continued efforts to strengthen education in Sarawak.

“Sarawak should not be compelled to adopt federal proposals simply because they come from Putrajaya. We must choose what is practical, realistic, and sustainable for our teachers and students,” he said.

“Sarawak must continue to choose what is right for Sarawak.”