By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 15: The Sarawak government has allocated RM10 million to the State’s Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSSs) for 2026, bringing its cumulative financial assistance to the schools over the past 13 years to RM102 million.
The allocation was presented by Premier of Sarawak Tun Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Boards during a ceremony held at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.
In a press statement, the association said the latest allocation reflects the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to the development of Chinese independent secondary education in the State.
It noted that annual assistance to ICSSs has been provided without interruption since 2014, with allocations increasing from RM3 million initially to RM10 million annually in recent years.
“With the 2026 allocation included, total assistance over a thirteen-year period has reached RM102 million,” the association said, adding that the support has helped ease the financial burden on school management boards while contributing to the steady development of Sarawak’s 14 independent Chinese secondary schools.
The association highlighted the role of schools from all educational streams in nurturing future generations and contributing to national development, saying Chinese independent schools have continued to maintain high educational standards despite receiving limited public funding.
It further argued that there is no reasonable justification for the federal government to continue withholding recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), given the longstanding contribution of Chinese independent schools to nation-building and human capital development.
“The issue of UEC recognition should be addressed objectively and fairly, taking into account educational merit, practical realities, and the broader national interest,” it said.
The association also described Sarawak’s policy of supporting schools across different educational streams as a model for the federal government, saying it reflects a commitment to educational inclusivity, diversity and equity.
As such, it called on Putrajaya to adopt a more equitable and inclusive funding policy for all schools, including Chinese primary schools (SJKCs) and independent Chinese secondary schools, through fair and institutionalised financial support.
The association also pointed to the Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), noting that 4,694 students benefited from the programme during the first quarter of its implementation this year.
As of April 2026, it said 94 UEC holders from Sarawak’s independent Chinese secondary schools had received full tuition sponsorship under the scheme, which it described as evidence of the State government’s commitment to educational equity and recognition of students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the association expressed its appreciation to the Sarawak government for its longstanding support of Chinese education and called on all sectors of society to continue working together to strengthen and advance Chinese education in the State.
Representing the association at the allocation presentation ceremony were chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming, deputy chairman Dato Sri Richard Wee Liang Chiat, treasurer Dato’ Seri Song Tiing Seng and assistant secretary-general Kuang Wei Hua.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. — DayakDaily
