Batu Kitang rep defends selective free tertiary education amidst DAP criticism

KUCHING (Sept 1): Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has expressed disappointment over the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s reaction to the state government’s decision to offer free tertiary education from 2026, selectively applied to specific fields.

The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) lawmaker said instead of recognising and appreciating the state government’s effort to enhance educational opportunities, state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen had chosen to criticise.

Lo believes that the state government’s decision on selective free tertiary education demonstrates a commendable blend of pragmatism, prudence and foresight.

“By targeting certain courses, the government is aligning its investments with regional needs and future economic priorities. This strategic focus is not a limitation but a deliberate effort to optimise resource use where it can have the greatest impact.

“The government’s approach reflects a commitment to avoiding indiscriminate spending and ensuring that educational investments deliver tangible benefits for Sarawak’s growth,” he said in a statement today.

Lo asserted that critics who called for universal free education across all courses may have overlooked the importance of strategic resource allocation.

He said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is working diligently to generate revenue for Sarawak, and it is essential to spend these resources wisely, particularly for long-term needs.

By prioritising fields with the most pressing needs, such as science and technical areas facing shortages, he reiterated that the state government is demonstrating a commitment to effective and sustainable investments.

“This approach mirrors practices in other countries such as the UK where free or subsidised education is often available for high-demand sectors like nursing and teaching.

“Similarly, in Australia, subsidised places are frequently reserved for courses with identified skill shortages such as early childhood education, reflecting a strategic investment in critical areas,” he said.

Lo further pointed out that Sarawak still has significant infrastructure projects to support, and relying solely on federal funding could delay essential developments like roads and bridges.

He suggested that instead of offering criticism, Chong could advocate for increased federal funding to address Sarawak’s health and education needs.

“Chong’s criticism that the GPS government has broken its promise to provide free education reveals his apparent lack of understanding of the broader context. It is important to understand why adjustments to initial plans may be necessary and why this does not constitute a broken promise,” he said.

He said Chong’s notion that the government had broken its promise overlooked the complexity of policy implementation.

According to Lo, promises must be adapted as circumstances change and as detailed planning reveals the practicalities of execution.

“The government’s decision to focus on specific courses does not negate its commitment to providing free education but rather it could represent a prudent adjustment to ensure the initiative’s long-term viability,” he said.

He believed that the government’s approach is not about retracting a promise but about ensuring that resources are used effectively to benefit the greatest number of people while avoiding potential financial pitfalls.

Such careful balancing act demonstrates a commitment to both the principles of the promise and the practicalities of implementation, Lo asserted.

He said the majority of Sarawakians are united in their appreciation of the hard work that has gone into making this initiative a reality, rather than “being divided by divisive rhetoric from DAP Sarawak”.

“When it comes to broken promises, let’s not overlook Pakatan Harapan’s blatant departure from their manifesto after winning the election. They had held on to their argument that their manifesto wasn’t the Bible, thereby conveniently sidestepping their commitments.

“Chong’s promises on MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) recognition, a 20 per cent oil royalty, and a 50 per cent return on all taxes collected have all been unfulfilled. It’s astonishing that Chong has the audacity to criticise GPS for broken promises when he himself has so spectacularly failed to deliver on his promises to the people of Sarawak.”