KUCHING, Nov 28: Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Richard Wee has reminded the new federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to fulfil the election promise to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and institutionalise funding for Chinese schools.
According to a statement, Wee emphasised that the history of self-funded schools in the Chinese community dates back more than a century.
“Chinese independent schools have cultivated countless talents for the country over the last few decades, and they should be recognised and funded by the country.
“Recognising the UEC of Chinese independent secondary schools has long been a wish of the Chinese community, as it will help retain talent and contribute to the country’s development,” he said.
He also stressed that UEC’s recognition must not be reduced to a tool for political manoeuvring.
“Recognising the UEC is only advantageous for the nation. Once more talent is utilised by the nation, everyone will benefit. In addition, this will be the new hope that the new government brings to the people, inspiring them,” he added.
Wee, who is also the Kuching Chung Hua Middle Schools Nos 1, 3, and 4 Management Committee chairman, noted that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is currently the only State government in the country which recognises the UEC.
Since GPS is also part of the federal unity government, he believes the coalition can give the federal government one last push to recognise the UEC.
In addition, he pointed out that the people of Sarawak are very concerned about the issue of autonomy.
“It is crucial to review and restore Sarawak and Sabah’s rights as enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The Pakatan Harapan manifesto also stated that Sabah and Sarawak will each have 35 per cent representation in Parliament, as well as establishing two higher education institutions in Sarawak,” he said.
Wee also stated that including a Sarawakian deputy prime minister in Anwar’s new Cabinet would be a timely gesture.
“The people have high expectations for the new Prime Minister and hope that Dato Sri Anwar will live up to them, treat the people’s trust with respect, and steer the country in the right direction.
“We should not only concentrate on the domestic political conflicts, but also make Malaysia more competitive both locally and globally.
“Only by making the country rich and the people strong will we be able to live and work in peace,” he added. — DayakDaily
