Putting a stop to the rot
Education minister vows end to dilapidated schools in Sarawak after eye-opening visits
BINTULU: Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik is determined to bring an end to dilapidated schools in Sarawak – more so after eye- opening visits to two such schools here.
Expressing his resolve to ‘right the wrongs’, he said the ministry would be going directly to the ground to monitor and ensure that changes would take place so that the same scenario would not befall Sarawak schools again.
“We will put a stop to this situation ( dilapidated schools). Before this we have heard of allocations being provided and new development promised.
We will put a stop to this situation (dilapidated schools). Before this we have heard of allocations being provided and new development promised. Unfortunately, when we visit these schools, nothing has happened and many schools are still in very poor condition.
Dr Maszlee Malik, Education Minister
“Unfortunately, when we visit these schools, nothing has happened and many schools are still in very poor condition,” he said during a press conference at Bintulu Education Of f ice yesterday.
During his visit to SK Sungai Selad and SK Sungai Setiam here on Saturday, Maszlee was able to see first- hand the deplorable condition of the two schools which he later said reminded him of his home village in Johor back in the 1970s and early 1980s.
“Much has changed in my village over the past 40 years but to see schools in Sarawak still like this makes me sad. I am determined to put an end to this situation. Sarawakians deserve better,” he said, before announcing an allocation of RM20,000 to each of the two schools.
He said it did not make sense for a rich state like Sarawak to have such dilapidated schools, but that something needed to be done for the sake of the children.
“With the support and cooperation of the state Education Department and all PPDs (district education offices) throughout Sarawak, we can do something to better education in the state.”
Maszlee pointed out that for a start, the federal government has allocated RM100 million for education development in Sarawak next year, but acknowledged the sum was insufficient.
He said the ministry is also seeking cooperation from government-linked companies (GLCs) and the private sector to help these schools, especially as the government provides tax relief for donations made to schools and universities.
Meanwhile, the minister said he also wants to work closely on the matter with the Sarawak government, but called for less politicking to be involved.
“For myself in the Education Ministry, I don’t want too much politicking. My priority is on the children and not political sentiment. I’m happy that the state government now realises the need to further improve the education infrastructure in Sarawak.
“Sarawakians deserve better and in this New Malaysia, the federal government will strive to ensure a better future especially in the field of education,” he said.
Present with Maszlee during the press conference were state Education deputy director Abang Mat Ali Masagus and PPD Bintulu assistant officer Yusup Harbi.