KUCHING: The Malay community in Sarawak should empower themselves and their children with knowledge and skills to remain competitive with other races.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that education is the key to enhancing competitiveness, particularly among Malay children, to ensure they are not left behind amid the rapid development driven by the Sarawak government.
“I want the Malays to see where we stand in the future. The world has changed, and to compete, we must dare to change our minds and equip ourselves with knowledge and skills.
“That is why we in the government emphasise the importance of education. If we want to find a competitive spirit, we must equip ourselves to compete with others,” he said.
He was speaking at the Samarindok Aidilfitri ceremony organised by the Amanat Yayasan Budaya Melayu Sarawak (AKYBMS) at a leading hotel here on Wednesday night (Apr 23).
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak government provided various educational facilities and infrastructure in areas with a majority Malay and Bumiputera population, including access to free higher education at local universities.
He explained that the ability of Malay children to compete does not depend on their background, but on their opportunities and willingness to work hard and take advantage of the education system provided.
“We open this opportunity to all Sarawakians, as long as they have a ‘K’ identity card. Malay children should not be afraid.
“They must be confident that they are able to compete and cooperate with other races in the same conditions in terms of finances and knowledge,” he said.
He added that change can only be achieved when there is awareness and willingness within a race to improve itself, in line with the principles mentioned in the Quran.
“Allah will not change the fate of a race, unless the race itself changes its fate. So I believe, Malays can do it,” he said.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were also present to enliven the ceremony.
