Chinese education a state asset — Abang Johari
KUCHING: The state government views Chinese education as an important asset to Sarawak.
Repeating this was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the 33rd anniversary and fund-raising dinner of The Association of Boards of Management of Chinese Primary Schools, Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions here on Wednesday.
"We will continue with the policies towards Chinese education as laid down by my predecessor, the late Tok Nan. The state government also recognises Unified Examination Certificate.
"We will continue to give financial support to Chinese schools where and when the needs arise," said Abang Johari, whose text of speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
Abang Johari said he was happy to see that the association is working in line with the government's policy of always trying to improve schools by merging or relocating them so that they could enjoy better facilities and achieve higher key performance index.
At the function, the state government announced a grant of RM500,000 to the association and RM150,000 to SJK(C) Tondong.
There are 222 Chinese Primary schools in Sarawak; 71 in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian divisions with a total student population of 62,200 (March 2017), 19,400 of whom are Bumiputera students.
The association president Liu Thian Leong also spoke at the function.
He said Chinese schools potrayed the beauty of Sarawak's unity in diversity and the 1Malaysia concept.
"Chinese education has become a need not only for the Chinese but also Bumiputras. Chinese is important as China has risen as a new global power. Mandarin has been translated to connect the world because of China's advancement and prosperity.
"It's time for the government to formulate new policies in order to give assistance to Chinese education and also assistance to schools regardless of types," said Liu.
The function also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between The Association of Boards of Management of Chinese Primary Schools, Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions and Golden Ants Properties and Development Sdn Bhd. Gold Ants donated a piece of 10-acre land in Stutong to the association for the building of Chinese school.
Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce and Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kuching MP and Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Golden Ants Properties and Development director Martin Lau were among those present.