By Wendy John
SIBU, Feb 8: Sarawak does not have flip-flop policies but one which were well drafted to spearhead development.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said its policies were geared towards making Sarawak one of the most developed states in Malaysia by 2030.
“We don’t have flip-flop policies. One time, English (to teach Science and Mathematics), the other time you don’t. Black shoes, then white shoes, and now multi-coloured shoes (for school students)
“What a mess. Do not be surprise when you see students wearing yellow uniform one day,” he said when launching Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Sibu (Zone 9) here today.
Though not specifying who he was referring to, it was obvious that the GPS chairman was talking about the federal government, in particular the Education Ministry for its “flip flop policies” on teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, as well as the colour of shoes for school going students.
In using English to teach the two subjects, he said the state was sticking to it and had allocated RM11 million to train teachers for the purpose. The state government was also in the midst of setting up international schools, which will use English as the medium of instruction.
Abang Johari said even though leaders in GPS would come and go, the aspiration of the state is in one direction towards 2030.
“The previous chief minister, Tok Nan (Pehin Sri Adenan Satem) is gone but we are continuing his struggle for the state,” he said, while expressing hope that Zone 9 GPS would be a platform for them to capture the other four of the five state seats in Sibu in the next election.
Nangka seat is currently under Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), but Bawang Assan is under Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), while Bukit Assek and Pelawan are under Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Abang Johari said GPS need to wrestle back these four seats so that the proposed master plan for the town could be implemented.
On the administration of the state, he said it should be left to Sarawakians: “Let’s us unite among ourselves and though we are not leaving Malaysia, we must administer the state on our own.”
He assured that the state government would not give out its right to immigration matter, legal matter and land code.
“I will not give way even if we have to go to the court to protect our rights (which include) oil and gas,” he said.
Among those present were president of the other GPS component parties that include Tan Sri Dr James Masing (Parti Rakyat Sarawak), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Progressive Democratic Party) and Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (Sarawak United Peoples’ Party). — DayakDaily
