By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 22: The Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will be implemented Statewide starting next year, will apply only to universities owned by the Sarawak government.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the FTES would not be extended to universities not owned by Sarawak, as they receive federal government funding.
“If we extend it to other universities, they are funded by the federal government. So, we don’t want to mix State and federal matters.
“How can we provide free education for institutions under the federal government? In fact, it should be the federal government giving us free education. That’s the rationale behind it,” he said.
He made the remarks during a town hall session held in conjunction with Sarawak Day in Miri today.
He added that the scheme would enable Sarawakian students to choose courses they are passionate about without having to go through the Central University Admission Unit (UPU) selection system.
“Secondly, for those pursuing higher education, they won’t be subject to UPU. You’re free to choose your course.
“Let us focus on universities owned by Sarawak. Consider Nordic countries, such as Norway or Germany. We hope that our children will be equipped with up-to-date knowledge for the future,” he added.
The session, titled ‘Sarawak’s Young Generation: Catalyst for Progress and Prosperity’, was moderated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala.
It was attended by students from 16 secondary schools, 21 youth organisations, and 11 public higher education institutions.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, ministers, and deputy ministers were among those present. — DayakDaily
