PIBG – The needs and The confusion

1. Over the last 10 days, there was a big confusion on what constitute PIBG fees. Being an active parent in my children school, I felt I should share some pertinent information with regards to the PTA which seems to get a bad name over the last 10 days. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was first introduce in 1973.

2. Over the years, the rules governing the PTA has been upgraded many times over. The latest being the Education Regulation (PIBG) 1998 and in 2004 some states Education Department issued a booklet which carries the heading “Garis Panduan Pengurusan PIBG”. Unfortunately this Garis panduan (Guidelines) has being seen by school administrators and some ministry officials as the law governing the PTA.

3. They are wrong. The law of the association is its constitution and the content of the constitution depends on the members. The PTA is a platform where parents and teachers sit on an equal platform. All members are equal irrespective of salary, job position or status in the community.

4. The PTA was first introduced as a self regulatory body where members of the PTA uses the AGM to determine and regulate its activities. However the Education Regulation provides the power to the Education Department as Registrar which roles is parallel to Registrar of Society. Over the years, the PIBG has been labelled as a monster by parents, many stayed away as they see the PIBG as unnecessary burden. Many associate the PIBG as organization that is reserve to the select few who are mainly parents who are politically connected, having a good relationship with the HM’s.

5. So what is this Monster called PIBG/PTA. The PTA is an organization that comprises of parents and teachers. The HM’s himself has to act as a neutral party where he/she is the official advisor of the PTA. The PTA has a clear and specific objectives which mainly focused on the school children. Its function and roles is clearly states to focus on children.

6. No where in its charter it is supposed to do building maintenance, upgrade equipments for the school administrator, paying for operational expenses of a school, replace a light bulb etc. Unfortunately many HM’s do not see an PTA as an independent body. They use their power and influence in exerting their needs and controlled the PTA. Over time many PTA’s has become ” another department” of the school which is controlled by the HM’s.

7. Some HM’s even prepare a parents and teachers line-up in advance and insist all the teachers to vote this line up. This should not be the case. Of course many committee members do not want to rock the boat because they want special privileges from the HM’s and at the same time they do not wish to be unpopular. PTA eventually evolved and become a rubber stamping body on what the school wants to do. It ends up being run by the school.

8. Who is to be blamed? I put the blame on the parents solely. The reason being, they don’t read the constitution of the PTA. They don’t use their power at AGM’s. Many don’t turn up for AGM’s. Those who turn-up don’t ask the right questions. They don’t make the appointed committee accountable. Basically they are very blur about the PIBG.

9. Sometime last year, I did a small survey involving 100 parents which was chosen at Random. The survey showed that many parents don’t even realized that there is such a thing called a PTA constitution. Almost all has never seen it. There was plenty of assumption ( you a right, it does makes and ass out of you and me). They don’t know how to run such organization.

10. Many parents think that PIBG is just about collecting money and let it the school head decides on what to do with the money. The PTA chairman is to sign checks as requested by the school head. This is not true. I have been active observer in PIBG for the past 5 years till I took over the office as the YDP. I can tell you that it is fun and addictive. It is very satisfying when you can see a change in a children face. You appreciate their smile and joy.

11. Running a PIBG is no different than running any other association. First you need to understand the constitution and the main objective of the organization. Then understand your role. Sit down with the committee members and plan what the PIBG can and cannot do based on the constitution.

12. The PIBG responsibility is towards the children but not towards the teachers or towards the school building. Maintenance of the school is the responsibility of the government. I told my HM many times that if the school do not adequate budget in operating and maintenance expenses, he should seek help from PIBG. We will not give money but we will climb the Education department and demand why inadequate budget is given.

13. All PIBG must have a space in school that is can be labelled as PIBG room. PIBG is a responsible and legal entity as part of the school community. As such giving a space for storage, keeping officials document of the PIBG and a place to meet and discuss regularly is necessary. The next thing is to do is to do discuss with the HM (school administrator) on what the PIBG can do.

14. See whether it can fit into the school calendar or is it relevant to the context of the children. The HM act as your advisor. Yes, I mean it – The advisor = the person that you seek advice from. He does not rule the PIBG. He does not rule the PIBG or control any of its monies. The PIBG is an entity that self regulatory entity by it self which is controlled by members at AGM.

15. The PIBG can plays very healthy and positive role if the HM does not see the PIBG as an intruder into his turf but sees you as a relevant partner that is important for the development of the children. If he sees criticisms as something that is positive then PIBG is safe. If he sees a criticism as something that is negative then, the PIBG committee are going to have a tough time.

16. The PIBG can discuss and set an expectation from parents on students performance in areas of sports and academics. It must work constructively with the school to ensure that the set targets is achievable and how the PIBG can help to achieve the targets.

17. As per the Education Regulation, the PIBG finances and the school finances is 2 separate entity. They don’t mix. The PIBG manages it own funds. It cannot imposed fees but at AGM members can proposed and approve literally anything under the sun provided it is in line with the objective of the PIBG and subject to the Registrar approval.

18. The key word here is inline with the objectives and approval. The committee is equally powerful if it sees its role as assisting in children affairs. Usually the registrar do not object to any collection imposed by the PIBG. The PIBG role is not to endorse extra charges by the school.

19. I would like to share with you on how a healthy PIBG and school relationship in my children school. My HM is an old school headmaster. This means he goes back to basic in doing his work. The basic principle is ” bina” ( building) and “the children”. Everything decision he makes is by taking into account of the children. He told me once, in managing schools the first thing that need to be focused upon is the children and the second is again children. We are here to prepared the seeds of the future for the country. He doesn’t forget his core business. He reminds me of some of my own teachers in the 70′s. That is the kind of HM that we have.

20. His door is always open for parents. His phone is never off. He answer every call. He view feedback from parents and the PIBG positively.I can tell you that he is very matured and knows the difference between PIBG and school. When given an idea or proposal he always answer it as ” boleh” and lets find a way to do it.He knows where to draw the line. We have an excellent working relationship. I don’t cross his turf and he doesn’t cross mine. You may think that I am making things up. I am not; and if you think you want to use your political connection and monster size cable to take our HM’s to your children school, you will be facing a big upheaval. We, the committee will round all the parents and do a demonstration is Putrajaya. That is how we feel about our HM’s. We are very protective of him.

21. The qualities that I see in this gentleman is grossly lacking in many HM that I have been exposed of late. The HM being the leader of the school is a respected figure. We should not fear him but his actions will earn the respect of our children and parents. Though the HM is an advisor of the PIBG but he/she plays an important role in providing direction and guidance in where is the area the school and the PIBG can meet. For the many parents that always complain, I have one thing to say.

22. If you have 2 legs and 2 arms with some brain tissue and you are not satisfied with the on going at your school, please attend AGM and make your contributions during the meeting. Come forward and help the PIBG committee. If you feel you wants to know more about PIBG, you can also write to me at drrafick@gmail.com. I am willing to share my knowledge as long as there is teh tarik and roti canai.