NUTP: Train teachers before combining sports and education
NUTP and Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon welcome the move, with Chong saying it would be a good way to nurture talent.
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) Secretary-General Lok Yim Pheng, who lauded the call, said there were several questions that first needed to be answered.
“Sports is carried out as a risk by teachers (if they are not trained). They are not really sportsmen or sportswomen.
“Schools must train more experts to nurture talents before they combine the ministries,” Lok told FMT.
Yesterday, it was reported that Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had recommended to Prime Minister Najib Razak that sports be moved to the Education Ministry.
Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon also lauded the call, saying it would be a good way to nurture talent.
“It becomes easier to cultivate their interest in sports and they can receive professional training at an earlier age. Moreover, the knowledge and theories about the science behind sports can be incorporated seamlessly into their education.
“In Malaysia, education and sports training are separated, which is a waste for our athletes,” said Chong.
NUTP President Hashim Adnan agreed with Lok and Chong’s sentiments. “Teachers know their students better. It is indeed a good idea. Surely, there will be more gold (medals) to come,” Adnan told FMT.
Sports and education are combined under one department in countries such as the United States, where sports scholarships are given to outstanding athletes to further their studies in universities.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram