I was particularly delighted to hear Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announce that the Sarawak Government had agreed in principle to consider extending its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to Sarawakian students at three federal universities in the state: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
Frankly, when I first heard the announcement, I wondered whether my ears were deceiving me. Having confirmed that I had heard correctly, I could not help feeling genuinely pleased, particularly for parents who have long struggled with the financial demands of sending their children to university.
To me, this is more than welcome news. It represents another step towards making higher education accessible to Sarawakians, regardless of their family backgrounds.
For many parents, especially those from lower-income households, financing a child’s university education is a major concern. Securing admission is one thing, but finding the money to pay for tuition fees, accommodation, transport, meals and other expenses is quite another.
Every parent wants their children to succeed academically and enjoy a better future. Yet, for some families, the excitement of receiving a university offer is quickly overshadowed by anxiety over how to finance their studies.
I have always believed that a young person’s opportunity to pursue higher education should not depend on the financial circumstances of their family. A hardworking student from a rural village deserves the same opportunity as one from a financially comfortable household. Talent, intelligence and determination are not exclusive to those who can afford university fees.
This is precisely why Sarawak’s free tertiary education initiative deserves recognition.
The latest announcement is significant because it signals the government’s willingness to consider extending FTES beyond the four state-owned universities already covered by the scheme. However, it is important to note that the proposed extension has yet to receive formal approval.
Abang Johari explained that the government is currently operating in a caretaker capacity and that the proposal can only be considered for approval after receiving a fresh mandate from the people. The proposed extension would also cover only the 64 courses already identified under FTES and eligible Sarawakian students attending the three federal universities’ campuses within the state.
Nevertheless, the agreement in principle offers an indication of the administration’s intended direction, and I sincerely hope the proposal will eventually become a reality.
What appeals to me most is the thinking behind this initiative. Education is not simply about obtaining a diploma or degree. It equips young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to improve their lives and pursue their ambitions. More importantly, it helps prevent financial hardship from standing between capable students and their aspirations.
Imagine a student from an interior longhouse or rural village who has worked hard throughout secondary school but whose family has limited financial resources. Having tuition fees covered would remove one major obstacle, allowing the student to concentrate more fully on academic achievement rather than worrying about paying for the next semester.
For parents, it would mean one less financial burden to shoulder. That, to me, is where the real value of this initiative lies.
Sarawakian students are fortunate to have access to opportunities that many young people elsewhere in Malaysia may not enjoy. They should appreciate this support, particularly as higher education and professional skills become increasingly important in today’s changing world.
However, free tertiary education does not mean every expense associated with university life disappears. Students and their families must still consider accommodation, meals, transport and other living costs, depending on their circumstances and available assistance. Nor does free education guarantee university admission or employment after graduation. Students must meet the necessary requirements, work hard and make the most of the opportunities offered.
Nevertheless, removing the burden of tuition fees is already a significant achievement.
For 2027, the government has allocated RM21 million for FTES, which is expected to benefit up to 10,600 students. This represents a substantial investment in the education and future of Sarawak’s younger generation.
Personally, I appreciate the administration’s emphasis on human capital development. Abang Johari has consistently highlighted education as a foundation for Sarawak’s future, while initiatives such as FTES demonstrate how that commitment can be translated into practical measures.
It is easy for leaders to speak about the importance of education. The real test lies in turning those words into policies and programmes that make a meaningful difference to ordinary families.
There is also a wider economic reason for investing in education. Sarawak has ambitious development aspirations, and achieving them will require a knowledgeable, capable and highly skilled workforce. We need engineers, scientists, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, technology specialists and skilled workers across numerous sectors.
The Premier’s remarks about the shortage of medical personnel in Sarawak illustrate this need. According to him, the state still faces approximately 1,200 doctor vacancies, a worrying situation given the healthcare needs of its people, particularly those in rural and interior communities.
It is encouraging that the special scholarship introduced through Yayasan Sarawak for UNIMAS medical students in 2017 has already produced 200 doctors funded by the state government. The requirement for scholarship recipients to serve in Sarawak for 10 years after completing their studies, subject to their agreements, is also understandable.
When public funds are invested in training professionals, it is reasonable to expect that investment to generate lasting benefits for the community.
This reinforces my belief that education should never be viewed merely as government expenditure. It is an investment in Sarawak’s future. Every well-trained graduate represents valuable human potential that can contribute to economic growth, strengthen public services and improve community wellbeing.
Of course, affordability is only one part of the equation. We must also ensure that educational standards remain high, courses are relevant to changing industry requirements and graduates possess the skills employers need. Otherwise, we risk producing graduates with academic qualifications but limited opportunities for meaningful employment.
Parents and students must also play their part. Government assistance should be appreciated and used wisely. Free education does not mean success comes without effort. On the contrary, it should motivate students to work harder and make full use of the support available.
Young Sarawakians must seize the educational opportunities available to them and remain determined to succeed. I sincerely hope the proposed extension of FTES to UNIMAS, UiTM and UPM receives approval, further easing parents’ financial burdens and helping students realise their ambitions.
More importantly, it represents an investment in Sarawak’s future. While roads, bridges and buildings are essential for development, it is educated, skilled and capable people who will ultimately drive the state forward.
By ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education, Sarawak can nurture its next generation of leaders and professionals.
Indeed, investing in education is among the most meaningful ways to secure the state’s long-term progress.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
