Sarawak setting example by including UEC holders in state’s free education policy, says SUPP man

MIRI (July 16): The Sarawak government is setting an example to its federal counterpart by recognising the state’s Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders in its planned free tertiary education policy, said Kelvin Hii.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth Committee publicity and information secretary described the move as a ‘gift’ for all UEC holders in the state.

“During the era of former chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, Sarawak became the first region in the country to recognise UEC holders. Now the state has once again become the first to offer free education to all students.

“I would like to thank the state government for its enlightened and wise use of funds to allow Sarawakians to benefit from such a policy.

“More importantly, this policy is not targeted at any specific ethnic group but rather encompasses all the citizens of the state, allowing everyone to reap its rewards,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Sarawak has recognised UEC since 2014.

Hii commended the state’s prosperity and political stability under Gabungan Parti Sarawak, and called on the people to continue supporting Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Instead of giving its citizens a fish, the state government is teaching its citizens how to fish, thereby increasing the state’s knowledge and wisdom.

“Sarawak will become rich, not only economically but also intellectually,” said Hii.

Abang Johari when officiating SM Pei Min’s new building block here last Thursday said Sarawakians graduating with UEC can also look forward to studying for free at state-owned higher learning institutions by 2026.

He said this was part of the effort to offer free tertiary education to all eligible Sarawakians.