Sarawak’s educational policy emphasises equal opportunity, not race

MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that Sarawak’s educational policy does not focus on race, but rather aims towards fostering a new economy.

He said that the state government does not differentiate between Chinese schools, public schools, or international schools, as long as the students acquire the fundamental knowledge necessary to transform the state’s economy.

Abang Johari stressed that students must be well-prepared for employment in the new knowledge-based economy.

“Sarawak is fortunate because we do not face issues in implementing our educational policies, unlike other places.

“In some places, vernacular schools are a sensitive issue, but in Sarawak, there are no problems or issues. If a school needs assistance, we will provide it.

“Education does not have a race. If someone is smart, they are smart, but to become smart, one must study. Now we are entering a new economy,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the opening ceremony of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) (C) Pei Min at Pei Min Middle School today.

On the same note, Abang Johari asserted that with the Sarawak government’s recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), more Sarawakian students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education at state-owned universities by 2026.

As such, he expressed hope that Sarawakian children will be taught subjects and courses essential for generating a new economy, saying that every school must provide a quality education.

He reassured that he would work harder to increase the state’s revenue to benefit the people.

“The way we share it with the rakyat is through education. If a child from the village becomes educated, they can find ways and means to earn a living because they are knowledgeable.

“So, I provide free education so that our children can ‘catch fish.’ Sarawak has a lot of ‘fish,’ such as carbon trading and hydrogen. These are all opportunities.

“But there must be people who can seize these opportunities, so we send our students, particularly Sarawakians, to university, and they will manage our economy. We must compete with others,” he added.

Speaking on new technology, Abang Johari disclosed that he would visit Australia next month to deliver an address on hydrogen.

He urged students to equip themselves with modern knowledge relevant to the new economy.

“Sarawak is already known for its rapid development. We are now using the new economy.

“It is no longer like the past when Sarawak was ‘duduk atas pokok’ (underdeveloped). We need to provide the right education to our children,” he stressed.