By William Isau
SIBU, Aug 27: Free education for all in Sarawak could become a reality if the proposed bill to set up a sovereign wealth fund which is expected to be tabled by at the November sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is passed and approved.
If the proposed bill to be tabled by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is approved, Deputy Minister for Local Government Michael Tiang emphasised that this will pave the way for the setting up of a government fund that can be used to provide free education to all Sarawakians from school to tertiary level as envisioned by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The Sarawak Premier has introduced various new economic model initiatives, especially involving green technology that can generate new and additional income for Sarawak.
“Through these, it will enable the GPS government to establish another new fund for the purpose of free education for the people of Sarawak,” he told reporters after officiating the Sibu District Education Office (PPD) Open Day today.
Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, pointed out that the Sarawak government undertook several study visits to learn from the best practices and experience from Norway and Singapore in preparation to set up the sovereign wealth fund in Sarawak.
“The aim is to establish a similar fund to protect the young and future generations so that they can have free education at all levels of learning and so that the people of Sarawak will not be left behind and can compete at the global level,” he stressed.
When asked about the details of the proposed bill, Tiang only informed that it will be prepared in the near future.
“The details will be explained in the bill itself when the time comes. But I am sure that the establishment of this sovereign wealth fund is most likely to ensure free education in Sarawak,” he said.
Sibu District Education Officer Chikba Member and Sarawak Secondary School Principals Association Sibu Division chairman David Teo were among those present. — DayakDaily
