By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 18: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has questioned the fuss over Bahasa Malaysia (BM) requirements for university entry, saying Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates have already studied the national language and history.
He said Sarawak’s priority should be developing quality human capital to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven economy, rather than allowing language issues to become a source of dispute.
“The Bahasa one is no problem. For university entry, you don’t need Bahasa because you already have it in UEC.
“You have to study Bahasa Melayu and History, so it is already there. There is no problem with that.
“Ini yang kecil-kecil pun jadi gaduh (Even these small things become an issue),” he said during the Sarawak Business Federation’s (SBF) 10th Anniversary Dinner at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex last night.
Abang Johari said UEC graduates could enter Sarawak’s universities, adding that students should focus on developing their abilities and language skills to prepare for the future.
He stressed that Sarawak needed quality human capital, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, warning that the State risked being left behind if its people could not keep pace with these fields.
He said AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini could help users analyse information and find solutions, but human judgement remained essential in assessing the information produced.
“Sometimes you have to use human brain also to analyse, that’s where wisdom comes in,” he said.
Abang Johari also emphasised the importance of multilingual proficiency, saying Sarawakians should know Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.
His remarks come amid discussion over Bahasa Malaysia requirements under Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee had clarified that BM is not an entry requirement for eligible students entering the four private universities participating in FTES.
However, Malaysian students who have yet to fulfil the national language requirement must do so before graduating. — DayakDaily
