Emulate Sarawak’s inclusive education policies, Chinese schools association tells Putrajaya

KUCHING (Oct 9): The United Chinese Schools Committees’ Association (Dong Zong) has called on the federal government to emulate Sarawak as a model example in providing fair education policies.

Dong Zong chairman Tan Yew Sing said Sarawak has achieved many breakthroughs for Chinese education.

“This is not only in terms of the recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates but also the fact that they are treated equally as other graduates.

“I am also most impressed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who has openly declared that they are treating us as partners for nation building in education,” he told a press conference after meeting with Dong Zong Sarawak today.

Tan, who was recently elected as the new chairman of the Chinese educationist group, had led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on Dong Zong Sarawak chairman Datuk Pau Chiong Ung.

He said Sarawak was doing a fantastic job in its fair and inclusive education policy.

“I urge our federal government to take Sarawak’s way of treating the Chinese education movement as a good example.

“This is a sure way of ensuring that the country’s education standards can be improved,” he said.

On the meeting, Tan said both parties had a fruitful, in-depth and sincere exchange of ideas.

“We are here to visit for two days, and our delegation comprised of members from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah, Terengganu, Sabah, Penang, and Johor.

“Our visit is also a learning trip for us where we were able to learn more about Sarawak’s Chinese education situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pau thanked Tan for making the effort to visit Dong Zong Sarawak soon after the latter was elected chairman on July 7.

Both parties also exchanged some proposal papers on improving the working procedure of Dong Zong during the meeting.

Also present was Dong Zong Sarawak deputy chairman Dato Richard Wee.