Sim: Free tertiary education will set state apart

KUCHING: Free tertiary education in Sarawak from 2026 will set the state apart from the rest of the country.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr.Sim Kui Hian said it will give rise to the emergence of two distinct classes.

“Malaysia is heading towards ‘one country’, ‘two classes’ – Sarawakian class and non-Sarawakian class. What do I mean by one country, two classes?

”A Sarawak class and a non-Sarawak class, where for tertiary education from 2026, Sarawakians would not need to pay, unlike non-Sarawakians, who would need to pay,” he said.

He added that not everyone will get to benefit from that opportunity as it will be exclusive for Sarawakians.

“It’s the beginning of one country – two classes, Sarawakians don’t have to worry about education, our young boys and girls will be ‘laku’ (sought after),” he said at the opening of an art exhibition by the late Chong Liew Syn at the Hoan Gallery at La Promenade Mall yesterday (Jan 19).

Dr Sim also pointed out that Sarawak is entering a significant phase of nation-building, with the rights of Sarawak being returned after 60 years of independence.

He said the development of art and culture will be a part of this nation building.

Among those present at the launching were, Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Realty Sdn Bhd director Yu Ji, Hoan Gallery director, Hoan Kee Huang and Chong’s eldest son, Ken Loh.