By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 2: The newly launched RM2.73 million four-storey school block of SJK Chung Hua Batu 35 reflected the 85 years of blood and sweat, perseverance and self-reliance, but more importantly the pride of Chinese education in Tarat and Padawan areas.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian urged for the values of Chinese Education to be emulated across Sarawak in order to realise the 2030 vision of becoming an advanced and high income State.
“Chinese schools in Sarawak are for all races. So this spirit of hard work and perseverance of Chinese education in overcoming hardship, as well as the existing unity and harmony in Sarawak must continue to be upheld,” he said when officiating at the launch of the new school building of the SJK Chung Hua Batu 35 located along Serian-Kuching Road today.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, emphasised that the next eight years are most critical for nation building for Sarawak.
“We must pull ourselves together and move forward towards that direction without allowing any negative forces, divisiveness and even political polarisation to jeopardise us.
“That’s why we are demanding more autonomy, especially for health and education because we know what to do and want to elevate Sarawak further.
“We don’t want to be a rich State but its people are divided because in the end, it is the people who suffer,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions chairman Datuk Jonathan Chai said the success and accomplishment of the new school block and a RM1.1 million multipurpose hall were made possible through the generosity of the community in Tarat as well as the support of donors and both Sarawak and Federal governments.
“This is the typical way of how Chinese schools are built and maintained, through the collaboration between the community and government,” he said.
With the new Federal government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Chai hopes education autonomy will be returned to Sarawak so that the stakeholders can continue to ensure quality education for Sarawakian children.
Meanwhile, organising committee chairman Penghulu Philip Lee has called for the community including parents and private corporations to donate generously and respond positively in the development of the school as it is now planning to build a bridge to connect the old and new buildings of the school for better accessibility.
The event also observed a minute of silence for the late Liew Hon Swee, an entrepreneur who contributed immensely in the development of SJK Chung Hua Batu 35.
Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, community leaders and parents were among those present. — DayakDaily
