Promise made to schools fulfilled
KUCHING: The state government yesterday presented the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Management Board with RM7 million in annual grant and a piece of land in Miri for development purposes.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who presented the cheque and made the announcement at Sekolah Menengah (SM) Min Lit Batu Kawa here said with this, he had fulfilled his promise of adding RM1 million to the grant this year.
“Last year in Miri, the state government gave RM6 million and we promised to increase it to RM7 million this year.
“Why? Because we see the need to collectively help the Chinese independent schools. Education is vital and the government needs to help these schools,” said Abang Johari.
Adding that Bumiputera students also studied in the Chinese independent schools, he said this was made possible because Sarawak is a peaceful state where different communities could live together in harmony.
On the land in Miri, he said it would be an asset for the association to raise funds for all the 14 private Chinese schools under it.
The Chief Minister also announced a sum of RM500,000 for SM Min Lit Batu Kawa for building a new classroom block.
On another matter, he said the state government was acquiring the rights of the state under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 one step at a time.
“We will get there, step by step. I believe that if we are sincere, patient and have a proper action plan God will be with our side.”
In his speech earlier on, the association’s chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming thanked the government for the assistance in lessening the operational burden of the schools.
“I also would like to point out that vernacular schools are not an obstacle to national unity. These independent schools in fact assist in progress and development of the nation too,” he said.
He pointed out that those who looked at vernacular schools negatively should understand the role of such schools and not simply draw conclusions.
Lau also stressed on the importance of the Chinese community having sufficient representation in the government.
“Therefore, cast your votes wisely in the next general election to ensure that there will be continuity in assisting the Chinese and maintaining harmony with other races as well.”
Among those present were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, assistant ministers and other assemblymen.