By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 22: The Sarawak government has thrown its support behind the federal government’s move to provide free higher education for students with disabilities, describing the initiative as a fair and well-deserved recognition of their academic achievements.
According to a TVS news report, Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the proposal to offer free education to persons with disabilities (OKU) pursuing studies at public universities, polytechnics and community colleges is timely and appropriate.
She said the success of OKU students in reaching tertiary education is an extraordinary achievement, on par with that of able-bodied students, and should be supported through meaningful assistance.
Fatimah further noted that the accomplishments of OKU students clearly show that physical limitations are not a barrier to excellence when individuals are given equal opportunities, adequate support and proper access to education.
“With this initiative, it is hoped that more individuals with special needs will be encouraged to further their studies at polytechnics or other higher learning institutions, as they will receive incentives that help ease their daily challenges,” she told reporters after attending the Train of Trainer (TOT) Certificate Presentation Ceremony for TOY8 here yesterday (Jan 21).
She expressed hope that the free education initiative would open up wider opportunities for OKU students to pursue higher education, ultimately improving their quality of life and employability in the future.
On Tuesday (Jan 20), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that free education would be extended to all OKU students studying at public institutions of higher learning, polytechnics and community colleges, benefiting about 3,000 students nationwide with immediate effect.
Anwar said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance a more equitable and inclusive higher education assistance framework, particularly for those in need. — DayakDaily
