SARIKEI, Feb 9: Sarawak education policy is one that is calculated and well implemented without any flip-flop, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He added that education is one of the important agenda of the state government and as a result, its implementation took into account all aspects of the syllabus and does not require constant changes.
“Now there is a flip-flop in the education policy (by the federal government), where students are required to wear black shoes and another time, white shoes. Currently shoes of any colour will do.
“We must have policies that is well calculated,” he said at the state-level Chinese New Year Open House celebration here today.
Abang Johari cited another proposal, whereby students were asked to learn how to swim using the swimming pool in hotels.
Drawing an example of a small town like Sarikei, he asked how many hotels are able could accommodate students for their swimming lessons.
On another note, Abang Johari assured that the Sarawak government will continue to recognise United Examination Certificate (UEC).
“A few top universities around the world such as Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and the National University of Singapore (NUS), as well as some universities in the United States have recognised UEC as requirements for admission into the institution of higher learning.
“It is a disadvantage if the state government does not recognise UEC holders, which could potentially lead to brain drain of Sarawakians,” he said.
On Chinese education, Abang Johari said the state government is supporting independent Chinese school with an allocation of RM9 million for 2020.
Apart from independent Chinese schools, the state is also providing subsidies to mission schools and national schools, he added.
“The state government is also developing five international schools and the education fees will be subsidised by the state.
“The fees for the international schools will be low so that children from the lower income groups such as farmers and fishermen will be able to study there.”
On development, Abang Johari said the state government is utilising its budget to provide water and electricity supply, as well as building roads and bridges to connect the rural areas, which would stimulate economic growth.
The state is also boosting the agriculture sector and encouraging food production, where Sarikei has been earmarked as a food basket.
Abang Johari said the state is developing an agriculture park within Sarikei, Bintangor, up to Tanjung Manis to spur the agriculture sector. — DayakDaily
