Du Zhong will receive annual grants — Dr Sim
KUCHING: Sarawak government will continue to grant annual fund to Chinese independent schools ( Du Zhong) across the state.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who pledged this on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg last Saturday night, said this annual grant is in addition to the state land alienated to Du Zhong by Sarawak government.
“Chief Minister Abang Johari has given land to Du Zhong to make a stable income in order to support themselves financially. But this does not mean that Sarawak government will cease giving the annual grant.
“Abang Johari wants me to tell Du Zhong not to worry about it. They can make income through the land alienated to them while Sarawak government is to continue giving them the annual grant,” he said when representing Abang Johari to launch the Kuching Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No.1’s 60th anniversary dinner at the school sports field.
Dr Sim pointed out that Sarawak government has recognised Unified Examination Certificate ( UEC) — the credential held by students of Du Zhong — for three
Chief Minister Abang Johari has given land to Du Zhong to make a stable income in order to support themselves financially. But this does not mean that Sarawak government will cease giving the annual grant.
years and counting.
He said UEC holders can join the state civil service following the recognition, which was granted under the leadership of former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
On the health and education autonomy in Sarawak, Dr Sim said Sarawak government is more than willing to take over this matter should the federal government decide to devolve such power to the state.
“We are more than happy to take over the autonomy in health and education, but the federal government must continue to give us fund. Without money, we cannot do much,” he stressed.
He was delighted to see some 2,500 former teachers and students gather at the anniversary do.
Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Local Government and Housing Minister
He described such gathering as a beauty in that it is a reflection of individuals remembering and contributing back to their former school.
“Even though your school lacks the funding, the spirit of alumni giving back to the school remains high,” he said, adding that other alumni bodies ought to emulate what the CHMS Alumni Association has been doing for the school.
He said Abang Johari had pledged a RM50,000 government grant for the CHMS Alumni Association.
“Since the Chief Minister has announced to give RM50,000 to the alumni association, I shall follow suit and I’m giving RM10,000 to the alumni association,” added Dr Sim.
Among those present were China’s Consul General in Kuching Cheng Guangzhong, Board of Management for CHMS No.1, 3 and 4 chairman Dato Richard Wee, CHMS No.1 principal Yap Chong Guan, CHMS No.1 Alumni Association chairman Lucas Yong and organising chairman Peter Ho.