Sarawak’s free education policy expected to reap ‘reward’ from next gen, says Dr Annuar

SIBU (July 13): The free education policy set to be implemented in Sarawak is expected to get a ‘reward’ from the next generation.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the ‘reward’ will not be in the form of money, but the contributions from students who can help develop the country and especially Sarawak.

“Do not forget that all the policies and financial assistance that the government had given should be returned, not in the form of money but your contribution to the state after studying,” he told students when speaking at Kolej Laila Taib (KLT)’s convocation ceremony here today.

The ceremony saw 109 diploma students from seven programmes receiving their scrolls from Dr Annuar, who is KLT chairman.

Also present were Yayasan Sarawak deputy director Watson Chunggat Leonard Doo and KLT chief executive officer Eric Wong.

Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman, urged students who have received benefits from the education policy in Sarawak to return to the country, especially to the state, in order to show devotion.

“No one can help us now except the younger generation.

“Our policy is very clear; we do not want our younger generations to be left behind in tertiary education, regardless of race or religion.

“The most important thing is that you can achieve this wish by benefiting from the state government’s policies,” he said, adding that the International School in Sibu is expected to recruit its first batch of students in either 2026 or 2027.

He also urged students who have successfully completed their diploma programmes to continue their studies to a higher level, emphasising that such education will enable students to become successful people.

At the ceremony, Diony Sim Jun Wei, Katleen Au Wei Fang and Chin Yi Ting each received the Dean’s Award, Lam Yeong Yuh and Mcarthur Robert received the Book Prize Award, while Joyce Fong Yuen Choo took home the Laila Taib Award.