‘Improving access to good education a step in the right direction’
SIBU: The concerted effort taken by the federal and state governments to improve access to good education for Sarawakians is a step in the right direction.
This will go a long way towards ensuring teaching and learning processes can be conducted in an environment that is safe and conducive, according to Sarawak Teachers Union (STU).
STU president Macky Joseph said this yesterday when commenting on Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik’s disclosure in a Facebook post that the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved the repayment of a RM1- billion debt to the federal government from the Sarawak government to fix dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
Maszlee had revealed that the decision was made following the agreement between him and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to the Chief Minister’s Office on Feb 19 this year to discuss issues that would benefit 436,000 pupils across Sarawak.
To this, Macky said: “STU would like to congratulate and thank the federal and the Sarawak governments for working together to ensure the betterment of education for Sarawakians.
“STU hopes that with such move, teachers can teach and children can learn in a safe and more conducive environment, with teachers enjoying teaching and children having fun learning.”
Maszlee had also said a special committee comprising the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and the Sarawak government would be established to ensure transparency and efficiency in the usage of the funds to benefit the students and teachers of the schools.
To this, Macky commented: “In view that education is under the purview and responsibility of the federal government, STU is happy to note the proposing of a special committee comprising the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the State Government of Sarawak to ensure that the money is used for its intended purpose.”
However, the ministry should always bear in mind the needs of schools in both urban and rural areas as far as infrastructure and internet accessibility are concerned, he said.
Maszlee had also said Sarawak Public Works Department would be appointed as the implementing agency.
Abang Johari had made a RM1billion loan offer to the federal government in July last year to rebuild dilapidated schools throughout Sarawak if the Ministry of Education was facing shortage of funds.
The Chief Minister, when officiating at the state- level Teachers Day celebration in Betong then, had said he did not want Sarawak to be isolated from development that is taking place worldwide now.