Abang Johari (fourth left) and other dignitaries wave to students who gathered along the corridors to welcome them.
KUCHING: The Sarawak government always keeps its promises especially when it comes to education, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking when handing over an allocation of RM8 million to 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state, he cited Sarawak’s recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the one-for-one matching of funds raised to relocate SJK Chung Hua Bako which amounted to RM3 million, as proof of promises made being kept.
“Some people promise (to recognise UEC) but until today don’t recognise UEC, but the Sarawak government is different. We keep our promises, we deliver,” he said during a ceremony to present the grant at Chung Hua Middle School No 1, here yesterday.
Realising the importance of education to the Chinese community, Abang Johari added he will carry on the annual RM1 million increase in education grant – from RM7 million to RM8 million this year – that was started by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2014, as a way of continuing the former chief minister’s legacy.
“This year we spent RM11 million on Chinese schools besides rural transformation programme (RTP) grants. This is what we do for the sake of our future generation.
“Education is important, especially for the Chinese community who would sacrifice for their children’s education. Like other communities, education ensures that they can move forward with the changing technological world,” he said.
Similarly, the chief minister pointed out that the mastering of additional languages will be an added advantage and creates more opportunities, saying the people should, if possible, aim to master three languages – Bahasa Melayu, English and Mandarin.
“Plus, it will prevent you from getting cheated or someone from saying bad things about you, because you will understand what they are saying,” he joked.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Management Board chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau says he does not agree that teaching Mathematics and Science in primary school in English will help uplift the standard of English.
“The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation recommends the teaching of Science and Mathematics in the mother tongue or national language. The most obvious reason is the success story of Japan and China which implements teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in their mother tongue.
“While I hear the concern on the declining standard of English among schoolchildren and graduates, I disagree with the implementation of teaching Mathematics and Science in primary school,” he said.
Abang Johari (tenth left) presents a mock cheque to Lau (eleventh left), witnessed by Dr Sim (ninth left), Wee (12th left) and others.
He was responding to the recent announcement by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik that Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to teach Mathematics and Science in English in its primary schools.
Lau said the majority of students in Chinese primary schools will go on to national or national-type secondary schools after completing Year 6, with only 15 to 18 per cent going to Chinese independent schools.
He added that Chinese independent schools share the same objective as national schools, which is to provide quality education to students.
Similarly, he welcomed Chinese and non-Chinese students to enrol in Chinese independent secondary schools, saying that although these are private schools which are dependent on public support and need to collect school fees, those who are not financially well-off should not be put off as the schools provide assistance to those who wish to continue studying in these schools.
On the grant from the Sarawak government, Lau said it will be used to help 14 Chinese independent schools in the state.
Among those present yesterday were Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Kuching Chung Hua Middle Schools No 1, 3 and 4 Management Board chairman Dato Richard Wee and wife Datin Dona Drury Wee.
Borneo Post: BY IRENE C ON