SANDAKAN: Libaran Member of Parliament, Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir, emphasized that education is a collective effort, not solely the responsibility of teachers, but also requiring significant roles from parents and the community.
He made these remarks while officiating the “Rewang dan Kenduri Warge SMK Gum-Gum” and the “Sedetik Bersama, Selamanya Terasa” programmes on June 22 at SMK Gum-Gum.
According to Suhaimi, the National Education Philosophy emphasizes holistic human development—spiritual, physical, and intellectual—which can only be achieved through close collaboration between schools, parents, and the community.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated teachers, capable principal, and supportive parents. SMK Gum-Gum’s success in the 2024 SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) examinations proves that this joint effort can lead to outstanding achievements,” he said.
SMK Gum-Gum recently received recognition as the best rural school in terms of improvement in the School Average Grade (GPS), alongside commendable achievements in sports, with several student athletes winning gold medals at the district-level championships (MSSD).
However, he also voiced concerns over the financial challenges still faced by the school in organizing student activities. Thus, he assured efforts to secure necessary financial support to ensure no student is left out of academic and co-curricular programs.
During the event, Suhaimi also extended his appreciation to SMK Gum-Gum principal, Felicia Michael Asang, who will soon be transferred to a new school.
“Her leadership was not only student-centred but also hands-on—visiting students’ families and engaging with the local community. This is an example of heartfelt leadership that should be emulated,” he said.
He also thanked the teachers, particularly the experienced ones, who remained committed to serving the school and urged them to continue educating with love and sincerity.
The harmonious ceremony was attended by school administrators, the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG), representatives from the Sandakan District Education Office (PPD), and local community leaders. Datuk Suhaimi concluded his speech by officiating the event and calling for strengthened unity among all parties for the educational excellence of Libaran’s children. – James Leong
