KUCHING, July 25: The state government has been told to get more serious in demanding for education autonomy from Putrajaya, so that Sarawakian children can have better access to education.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) Youth chief, Rapelson Richard Hamit, said having autonomy over education will enable Sarawak to better manage its education affairs without having to wait for federal approval or decision.
“In the next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, the state government must table a proposal for education autonomy claim,” he suggested in a statement today.
Rapelson was responding to the federal government’s demand for the state to repay RM350 million before the same amount can be channeled back for repairs of dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
“The state government seems to be silent when Putrajaya demanded for the loan repayment, even though some of the state Cabinet members have voiced out their views,” he said.
Rapelson pointed out that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak Education Department needed to come out with a statement and indicate the measures that should be taken.
“If not, this issue will continue to be politicised,” he added. — DayakDaily
