By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 24: Despite the statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of “nothing more to negotiate but to implement” the devolution of education to Sarawak, the Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Ministry is of the view that the negotiation will not be concluded expeditiously due to bureaucracy at the federal level.
Quoting Point 14 of the 18-point Malaysia Agreement, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee said the agreement stipulates that the existing health and education system must be maintained and should be under the control of Sarawak.
He said despite the bureaucracy, his ministry has achieved some progress in its pursuit to expedite the devolution of education from Federal to Sarawak.
“And our Federal counterpart, especially the Ministry of Education, has shown us a lot of interest and kindness when discussing the devolution of power.
“Having said that, there are a lot of hurdles, particularly the bureaucracy, and we hope that this can be ironed out as soon as possible,” said Dr Annuar when answering the questions raised by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap at the Question and Answer Session during Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Dr Annuar noted that for the last two to three days, many State lawmakers raised the issue of the delay in implementing State funds for schools where even a minor maintenance issue, such as the repair of a door or a locker, needed to be referred to Putrajaya for approval.
His ministry is thus working towards the end for Sarawak’s director of education to be given the power to approve these State-funded projects to expedite the repair of these dilapidated schools.
“But so far, we have not received any black and white that the devolution of power to allow the State Pengarah (director) to approve all the small projects funded by the State government,” said Dr Annuar. — DayakDaily
