SUPP supports call to include Sarawak Day history into schools’ curriculum

MIRI (July 19): The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) supports the call to incorporate Sarawak Day history into primary and secondary schools’ curriculum, said the party’s Publicity and Information Secretary Adam Yii.

He said many Malaysians, including young Sarawakians, lack understanding of Sarawak’s history and the true meaning behind Sarawak Day celebrations.

“The Ministry of Education should incorporate the history of Sarawak Day into the curriculum in the near future,” the Pujut assemblyman said in a statement today.

Yii, who is also Miri mayor, said this would enable Malaysians to better understand and respect Sarawak’s cultural heritage and its special status in the Federation of Malaysia.

In a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) on Tuesday, Public Health, Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil made a call for the history of Sarawak Day to be included in the national school syllabus.

He emphasised the importance of this for the future generations to understand the significance of July 22, in 1963, which marked the day the state gained self-governance.

“This day holds great significance for Sarawak and deserves to be remembered and passed down through generations,” said Yii.

He said Sarawak possesses a unique history and culture, which are valuable assets that should be perpetually preserved and this be facilitated by reclaiming educational autonomy as a crucial agenda for the Sarawak government.

”Sarawak has its own cultural and historical background, and only by reclaiming educational autonomy can we ensure that the education system reflects Sarawak’s special status and meets the needs of Sarawakians,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yii welcomed the recent announcement by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari that Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates from Chinese schools would be able to further their studies into Sarawak’s higher learning institutions for free by 2026.

He said this policy underscored the Sarawak government’s progressive stance and commitment to nurturing talent.

“As part of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, SUPP will continue to push for the implementation of educational autonomy in Sarawak, ensuring that all Sarawakians, regardless of race or religion, have equal access to quality education under enlightened policies,” he said.