‘Chinese schools not only for the Chinese community’
MIRI: There is a beautiful practice in Sarawak where Chinese schools are not only for the Chinese community but also for Bumiputera pupils to obtain formal elementary education.
Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said such practice points to Sarawak as a state for racial unity and religious harmony.
“Chinese schools in Sarawak are not only for the Chinese, but for all races in the state,” he said when officiating at a presentation of special allocations for2017 to SJKC and SMJK in Northern Region at SJKC Chung Hua Krokop’s multimedia room Friday.
Dr Sim was happy that the good practice continued in Chinese schools here.
Some of the Chinese primary schools in the state have mostly Bumiputera pupils, such as SJKC Chung Hua Lutong and SJKC Chung Hua Tudan in Miri.
Thus, Chinese schools in the state also served as a platform to nurture racial unity and religious harmony among pupils.
By doing this, he believed the pupils would not have any problem in mingling with their friends despite differences in race, culture and beliefs.
He wanted heads of Chinese schools to get in touch with local elected representatives in their areas regarding special allocations from the federal Ministry of Education.
He said other Bumiputera elected representatives, such as Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai, had given their commitment to assist Chinese schools in their areas.
“Education is a subject close to my heart. Many people don’t mind investing in school development as they want to see the school change the lives of students, particularly those from poor backgrounds.”
In addition to that, he also wanted the schools to keep abreast with the state government agenda to make Sarawak a digital economy.
“We have to look forward to the digital environment where students might not have to go to the school as learning can be conducted in a virtual classroom.”
After the cheque presentation, Sim inspected construction of the roof for the pupils’ pickup zone outside SJKC Chung Hua Krokop.
He said the project funded by his ministry was requested by Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Also present were Sibuti MP Datuk Ahmad Lai Bujang, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, SUPP Senadin Branch publicity chief Eric Chin and chairman of Miri Limbang District Chinese Aided Primary Schools Board, Penghulu Haw Min Wai.