Here is the English translation of your article — PROMOTION VS POSITION
(in secondary schools — I’m not as familiar with SK š)
I would like to share about promotions and positions, something many people know about but many are also confused by. Hopefully this clears up some misunderstandings and helps everyone choose a career path that suits them.
PROMOTION
Based on the cycle 8,8,6,3 from DG9–14 (previously DG41–54), all teachers enjoy these promotions. This form of promotion is acting (pemangkuan). The substantive grade depends on your position.
SUBSTANTIVE GRADES
- GAB ➡️ DG9
- GKMP ➡️ DG10
- PK ➡️ DG12
- PRINCIPAL ➡️ DG13
However, whether acting or substantive, for teachers it is essentially the same — same salary, same pension.
Examples of Acting vs Substantive Grade
- GAB acting in DG14, substantive grade DG9
- Principal acting in DG14, substantive grade DG13
- GKMP acting in DG14, substantive grade DG10
POSITION
Positions refer to administrative specialisations, starting from middle leaders (GKMP) to the administrative team (PKs and Principal).
Usually, we will NOT be appointed as GKMP/PK or Principal before we are already acting in the appropriate grade.
Example:
- GKMP positions are only filled from among teachers acting in DG10.
- Assistant Principal (PK) is DG12.
- Principal is DG13.
When administrators are appointed with the grade they already hold, there is no salary increase.
However, if a DG10 (DG44) teacher is appointed as PK, they will automatically receive the substantive salary of DG12 (DG48), so there is a salary increase — but this is rare.
So the idea that administrators earn more because they rise in position is not accurate. Salary increases come from grade promotions under the 8,8,6,3 cycle, just like GAB — unless someone is appointed to a post before obtaining the expected grade.
Administrators and GAB have the same salary.
But there are responsibility allowances:
- GKMP (Grade A schools only) and all PKs: RM120
- Principal: RM300
These responsibility allowances are taxable — unlike COLA, entertainment, ITKA and housing allowances.
Advantages of becoming PK or Principal
- Teaching hours are reduced compared to GAB.
- GKMP officially has the same teaching hours as a teacher, though sometimes reduced by 1 class depending on administrative discretion.
Reduced teaching hours allow more time for administrative duties.
Actually someone corrected me before — when I said that with higher positions, the workload and responsibilities also increase. They said, “Well, higher salary, heavier work — fair enough.”
So this confusion must be clarified so that those applying for administrative posts will not regret or be disappointed when the salary is the same as GAB.
May we all excel in whatever duties we are entrusted with šŖ