84 THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES – FOCUSING ON PRIMARY EDUCATION 42. In addition, Dr. Toh also highlighted that teaching process such as swimming class also could be considered as a kind of treatment. 43. He further added that Malaysia is currently experiencing a shortage of child specialists, psychologists and therapists who are capable of carrying out diagnostic tests and stressed that this should be a paramount concern of all stakeholders. DISCUSSION ON KEY ISSUES Problem/Dilemma Faced by Teachers in Mainstream Schools 44. Mr. Jamal reiterated the importance of ensuring that teachers who are posted to special education programmes are qualified and trained in the field which would bring positive impact on the education of children with learning disabilities. 45. A participant from State Education Department also highlighted that there are situations where teachers had to deal with the “opt-out” request by students who have been included in normal class through the inclusive program due to several factors such as being unable to cope with the learning environment, to deal with complex subjects and to bear the stress of examinations. 46. The Head of Special Education Sector of Sarawak suggested that exposure and training in handling children with learning disabilities should be done continuously to ensure that teachers are able to apply the best practice in managing these students. Achievement in examination in PPKI Schools 47. A teacher from SMK Tabuan Jaya stated some teachers expected that children with learning disabilities who are to be included in mainstream classes to be at par with their peers, thus disregarding the need that these children have for special attention. In addition, some schools are not in favour of inclusive programme as it is seen as factor that may affect the overall grading performance of the schools. 48. Mr Kiew from the State Education Department pointed out a government circular – Surat Pekeliling Ikhtisas Bil 23/199 8- which stipulated that in analyzing the overall school’s performance or achievement, the results of children with learning disabilities in special education programmes can be excluded and be analysed separately. By doing so, the school’s overall performance in examination would not be affected. Issue of Speech Therapy 49. A participant suggested that the number of speech therapy centres be increased and that training on speech skills be offered to interested