SIBU: Sarawak’s education autonomy rights, which are subject to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), are very important in creating a more efficient and quality education system in the state.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Chief, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie, said that various issues and incidents, including bullying cases, have raised concerns among parents about the country’s current education system.
“In addition, the proposal to create two teachers in one class by 2027 is also worrying parents if there is no clear implementation mechanism.
“I believe many parents in Sarawak want to ensure that their children receive quality education so that they can build a bright future.
“Therefore, Sarawak’s education autonomy is very important to ensure that appropriate policies can be implemented,” he said at the Meet-the-People Session at Rumah Frederick Elizabeth, Emperan Tekalong, Batang Igan, here today.
According to Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman, the Sarawak Government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg continues to strive to defend the right to education autonomy through several key policies.
Among them are strengthening English language proficiency through the Dual Language Programme (DLP) for Science and Mathematics, implementing the DLP assessment test for Year Six and Form Three students by 2028, and offering free education through four Sarawak-owned institutions that focus on courses in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
“This policy does not discriminate on race. It aims to increase students’ competitiveness at the international level and prepare them to venture into the green energy field in the future,” Lau stressed.
He added that the implementation of these policies requires political stability and harmony among races in Sarawak.
“We need to work closely together so that Sarawak continues to progress and prosper. This is what we want for the younger generation,” he asserted.
In another development, he said the meet-the-people session was very meaningful because it involved various agencies going out to the field to reach out to the community and strengthen ties with the local community.
Lau also touched on the issue of soil erosion raised by Tuai Rumah Frederick, informing that the matter had been submitted to the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) and the disaster committee, and was now awaiting further action from the headquarters.
Also present were Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Chairman, Sempurai Petrus Ngelai; Sibu Deputy District Police Chief, Superintendent Boniface Bajai; Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bawang Assan Youth Chief, Councillor Johnny Sain; Temenggong Stanley Gramong; Pemanca Paing Tawi; Penghulu Dennis Ansam; and SRDC Secretary, Ng Siang Wei.
