By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 15: The setting up the Special Unit for Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Sarawak will ensure Sarawak continues to be held up as a role model of a multiracial society for the rest of the country, says Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations president Datuk Richard Wee.
He pointed out that Sarawak has led the way with the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) which looks after the welfare of all religions besides Islam.
“With the establishment of Unifor, it has shown that Sarawak is administered by capable leaders who takes care of all religions.
“And now with the setting up of this Special Unit for Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Sarawak, it further manifests the multiracial composition of the people of Sarawak,” Wee told DayakDaily when contacted today.
He expressed hope that people from other states will learn from Sarawak how to live in peace and harmony as envisaged in the ‘Rukun Negara’.
“We would like them (those from West Malaysia) to come here and learn from us on how we have been able to live in peace and harmony all this while even though we are a multiracial and multi-religious society,” he said.
Wee, who is also the chairman of the Management Boards of Chung Hua Middle Schools No. 1, 3 and 4 said, the setting up of the Special Unit for Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Sarawak led by Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian will assist all Chinese-aided schools in Sarawak.
“For this year alone, the state government is allocating RM17 million for us to manage our Chinese schools. So, with the setting up of this special unit, we will be able to assist all the Chinese-aided schools in Sarawak more systematically,” he added.
He also expressed gladness that the new special unit was officially announced on the eve of Malaysia Day.
“This to me is another milestone for Sarawak,” he added.
During the official opening of SJK Chung Hua Bako today, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that Dr Sim has been entrusted to lead the special unit to look after the needs of Chinese-aided schools in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
