KOTA KINABALU: Newly named Chief Warden of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha, Syariah teacher Rezany Mohd Taupek, told the Coroner’s Court he is unsure whether his appointment is legitimate because the letter used the school’s letterhead instead of the Sabah Education Department’s.
Rezany, who lives in the hostel quarters and performs the duties without allowance, said teachers have long filled warden roles due to a shortage of officially appointed JPN wardens.
He also confirmed several teachers were not recognised wardens since their appointments never came from JPN.
He declined an official appointment because the warden allowance would remove his housing allowance, reducing his income.
He added he never received any approval letter despite being nominated.
Rezany acknowledged there was another bullying case after Zara’s incident, with the students suspended, but rejected claims the school prioritised its image over Zara’s welfare.
