By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 18: The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will be sustained in the long term, as it is the work and responsibility of Sarawak’s leaders to increase and stengthen State income and ensure continuous funding for the sake of Anak Sarawak.
Giving this assurance, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the free tertiary education initiative is made possible by Sarawak’s strong fiscal position, with State income having increased 2.4 times following years of deliberate economic restructuring and revenue expansion.
“My colleagues and I worked very hard to increase Sarawak’s income. Thank God, we managed it. Now I want to share that extra income with Anak Sarawak, so that they can become the force behind our development,” he said when launching the FTES at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre today.
Abang Johari stressed that the scheme is not a one-off initiative limited to 2026.
“It will be sustainable towards the future. Every year we will give. There must be money, and that is the work of your leaders. We will do that part,” he said.
Under FTES, he added, parents will no longer need to worry about financing their children’s tertiary education.
“We do not want parents to worry. They do not have to use their income for tertiary education. Students, we love you. Our hearts are with you and with your parents, so that they can sleep peacefully.
“Let free tertiary education be the worry of the government. I am not worried, because as long as we have good governance and sincere leadership, we will make this happen,” he said.
The scheme, he said, aligns with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS), particularly its pillar of building an inclusive society through talent development and investment in human capital.
“Your father and mother don’t have to worry because the government has taken that responsibility as you are not only the children of your parents, you are the sons and daughters of Sarawak. Make sure Sarawak will be prosperous,” he called on.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister of Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
