‘Let them’, says Premier on Sarawak Bumiputera students attending Chinese schools

Abang Johari speaking at the national-level SIPartners+ Professional Association conference at Imperial Hotel Kuching on May 7, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

By Yee Mei

KUCHING, May 7: On the subject of Sarawakian Bumiputera students attending Chinese schools in the State, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has simply said: “let them”.

He said there were parties who didn’t understand the policies the Sarawak government has implemented, such as acknowledging the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) offered by Chinese schools.

“This is because many of our students study at Chung Hua school, and we assist these schools so that our Bumiputera students can learn Mandarin. When they (Bumiputera students) can understand Mandarin, they can communicate and foster a deeper understanding,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the national-level School Improvement Partners (SIPartners+) Professional Association conference at Imperial Hotel Kuching today, which was streamed live via the Sarawak Public Communications Unit’s (Ukas) Facebook page.

In addition, he said that many international universities recognise UEC and can act as a ‘pathway’ for Sarawakian students to further their studies internationally.

“Why the Sarawak government says there’s an option to study in Chinese schools? Let them—Iban, Orang Ulu, Malay learn Mandarin, and we recognise UEC. Why? Because many international universities recognise it too, and when we send our students there, they can help contribute to Sarawak (with what they’ve learned),” he said.

In addition, he said the Sarawak government has used its own funds to repair and upgrade dilapidated schools in the State, which the Federal government will reimburse.

“The Prime Minister agreed with my suggestion—we use our State funds first, then the Federal government will reimburse us.

“Our children will benefit from this, as it is our job to ensure they receive education,” he said.

Furthermore, he said Sarawak is making bold efforts to strengthen the education ecosystem by establishing five international schools in the State.

“These international schools will utilise the Cambridge syllabus, and our students from rural areas who excel in their studies can be placed in these schools. Yayasan Sarawak will bear the fees.

“That way, they can achieve academic excellence and further their studies at international institutions,” he said. — DayakDaily