CM: Recognition of UEC, financial aid to independent schools to stay
SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has reassured the Chinese community that policies introduced by his predecessor, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, on the recognition of Unified Examination Certificate ( UEC) and extension of financial aid to independent schools will stay during his tenure.
He said independent schools, Chinese or mission schools, though not receiving the same support that the government schools get, play their role in producing talented and learned people that should be part of the state’s human resource.
He said the state has not only provided financial support to independent schools but gone further to recognise the UEC as the state does not want to lose young talents to other countries.
“For example, Catholic High School graduates can be found among the experts in United Nations and Nasa (National Space Agency) while others are top scientists and global entrepreneurs.”
“Recognition of UEC and extension of financial assistance to independent schools are policies introduced by the late Datuk Patinggi Adenan and these policies are to stay during my time,” he reiterated when speaking at the opening of a new block of Catholic High School here yesterday. His text of speech was read by Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that Sibu has always been an important place of education not only for the people of Sibu, but for the people of Sarawak as a whole.
He said Sibu has produced many outstanding individuals who are contributing to the development of Sarawak and the country.
“Even though there are several types of schools in Sarawak, we are all able to share a common ideal and goal in life and this is an achievement that should always become the basis of our social unity,” he said.
On making English as the state’s second official language, he said he will ensure that the state places emphasis on both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
“This policy is not to downgrade Bahasa Malaysia but to ensure that Sarawakians can be proficient in both languages. We have to emphasise the importance of English as a global language, the standard of which has been declining in the country over the past decades,” he noted.
He said a specific ministry of education has been formed to ensure that education in Sarawak is given the right emphasis and right treatment.
He added that there are many things that the state government wants to do to upgrade education in the state, and the state cannot wait for federal government’s decision and financial assistance.
“Our priority now is to rebuild over 1,000 run- down schools all over rural Sarawak. Out of these, 415 are quite in critical state,” he disclosed.
“We’ve decided to use the state’s funds instead which will be reimbursed by the federal government later.
“I have told the Prime Minister this is what we want to do and he agrees. We are setting up the Development Bank of Sarawak or DBOS and we are going to use the service of DBOS as our source of funds for this purpose,” he said.
Also present at the event were Education and Technological Research assistant minister Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, Catholic High School principal Rev Bro Anthony Tay and Monsignor Michael Lee.