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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 8: Sarawak remains the only State in the country that recognises the Unified Examination Certification (UEC) provided by Chinese schools and stresses the importance of mastering both English and Chinese languages, which is a loss for Peninsula Malaysia.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated that Sarawak has no issue with language as a medium for acquiring knowledge and talent development.
Moreover, he said it would be a waste and a missed opportunity if Sarawak’s best students were drawn to other countries since many international universities, including those in the United States, recognise the UEC.
“Sarawak has excellent students from Chinese schools eligible to enter Sarawak-owned universities.
“But the other side (Peninsula Malaysia) is a different story, lah. Sarawak is Sarawak, lah (unique in its own way). Over there, sorry lah, (as even) petty things like using chopsticks also become an issue.
“In Sarawak, there is nothing wrong with Malays using chopsticks. Unlike the other side, claiming that using chopsticks is to become Chinese,” he said when addressing the opening ceremony of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) 77th Annual General Meeting at a hotel today.
Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak is a multicultural society where diversity is embraced, in which there are even mosques designed like a temple.
He highlighted the importance of acknowledging all cultures, which, with cross-exchanges and interactions, can further enrich Sarawak’s diverse culture.
“For example, in mixed marriages where another race marries a Chinese, they also practised the tea ceremony and produced ‘hybrid’ children,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that this exemplified social inclusivity, one of the key pillars in the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, as with a strong social foundation, political stability will naturally follow.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, ACCCIM president Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, and ACCIM Sarawak president Dato Tan Jit Kee were among those present. — DayakDaily
