The Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has admitted that the low allowance for the National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL) programme before appointment as principals and headmasters (PGB) is the cause of the lack of interest among teachers.
In addition, the availability of replacement candidates for appointment as PGB also contributes to the issue of a shortage of principals and headmasters in schools nationwide.
NPQEL is a year-long educational leadership development programme organised by the Aminuddin Baki Institute (IAB) to train and prepare future school leaders, especially PGBs.
Deputy Minister of Education, Wong Kah Woh, informed that the allowance rate is set based on the current grading and grading determined by the Public Service Department (PSD).
He also explained that teachers who participate in the NPQEL programme receive an allowance of RM300 for prospective principals and RM200 for prospective headmasters.
Kah Woh also advised PGB candidates to see education as a responsibility to educate, not just a position, as well as to instill a spirit of leadership for the sake of the sustainability of the education ecosystem.
The statement was made when he answered a supplementary question from Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) in the Dewan Rakyat regarding the Ministry of Education's willingness to review the allowance rate given to teachers participating in the NPQEL.
The addition of NPQEL slots is hoped to address the issue of the shortage of PGBs and encourage the School Governing Boards (LPS) in missionary schools to provide more leadership trainees.
