KUCHING, Nov 11: Bumiputera students form a big percentage of enrollment in Chinese schools in the Betong and Sri Aman divisions, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said such assimilation turned schools into ideal places to sow seeds of racial unity and harmony among the people.
“Our new generation from different races can learn to know and appreciate each other’s aspirations and problems.
“Our racial unity is one of our biggest assets, and we are respected even nationwide for this,” he said when officiating at the Teacher’s Day celebration of Chinese schools from the Sri Aman and Betong Divisions at the community hall today.
Uggah said because of the strong unity among the people, Sarawak can develop and progress well ahead of others in the nation.
“I think that Chinese schools would continue to do their parts in strengthening racial unity and harmony,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah, also Bukit Saban assemblyman, called for teachers to pay extra attention and assist students with difficulty learning.
He was informed of cases where some students could not read, write or do basic calculations even after six years of primary education.
“We must address this problem as they will be significantly disadvantaged. There will be no way for them to catch up,” he said.
During the ceremony, Uggah announced a grant of RM50,000 to the organising committee of the function for next year’s event, while Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu gave RM5,000.
He also presented the Tokoh Guru award to Tan Kah Hui of the SJK(C) Chung Hua in Pantu in the Sri Aman Division. — DayakDaily
