Wee: More details needed on admission conditions for free tertiary education in Sarawak-owned universities

KUCHING (July 12): More details are needed on the entrance and admission conditions for free tertiary education in Sarawak-owned universities, said Dato Richard Wee.

The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board deputy president said this when commenting on the state government’s latest announcement that Sarawakians graduating with Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese middle schools can look forward to such free education.

Wee’s reasoning was that different courses may have different entrance standards.

“The announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on this matter is welcome news for all students and parents. Overall, this shows the determination and resolve of the Sarawak government to focus on the education of our future generations in our nation building.

“It also demonstrates the policy of our government that they do not politicise the fundamental needs of the people in both education and healthcare. Kudos to our government under the helm of our Premier, and on behalf of all the students and parents of Chinese Independent Schools, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the fair and progressive policies of our government,” he said.

Abang Johari had announced that UEC graduates can look forward to free tertiary education in state-owned higher learning institutions by 2026 when officiating the SM Pei Min new building block in Miri on Thursday.

Wee said the time has come for Sarawakians to feel proud to be Sarawakian and for Sarawak to be a stellar example for other states in Malaysia.

“It has been long-awaited wonderful news for our Premier to announce this personally. UEC has been recognised by the Sarawak government since 2015.

“Being the first state then to make this bold policy has allowed students from Chinese Independent Schools to serve as Sarawak civil servants, thereby opening up another route for career advancement for students,” Wee said.