SIBU: The implementation of the free education policy in Sarawak Government-owned higher education institutions starting next year has become an example for other states, especially Sabah which is currently in an election season.
Tamin state assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang, said the state government’s commitment to allocate approximately RM600 million to cover the tuition fees for students at state-owned universities was a progressive step that should be emulated.
“Sarawak is the first state to provide free university education to its citizens.
“This shows that the Sarawak Government’s policy is very good, to the point that it has become a reference and is being emulated by Sabah through the parties actively campaigning in their state elections,” he said.
He said this at Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Bollywood Membership Night held at a prominent hotel here on Saturday night.
Gira called on rural residents in particular to seize the opportunity to further their studies for free at state government-owned institutions such as Curtin University, Swinburne University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), i-CATS University College, and Sarawak Technology Centre of Excellence (CENTEXS).
On another note, he highlighted the increasingly significant role of women in society, noting their growing presence in leadership, associations, politics, entrepreneurship and professional fields, while still playing an important role in the family.
“Women not only take care of their families, but now many are successful in various fields. Some are highly educated and hold high positions. Their role is now seen as equal to that of men,” he said.
He also encouraged the expansion of SIDS membership as well as continued collaboration between SIDS and the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) to strengthen the organisation’s network.
Earlier, SIDS Sibu Chairperson, Angelyn Uchi Maseng, said the event aimed to seek new membership as well as strengthen ties among members.
“So far, SIDS Sibu has 21 areas with about 1,500 members, and tonight we successfully registered 38 new members. We will continue to recruit members to meet SIDS’ target of reaching 70,000 members throughout Sarawak,” Uchi added.
At the Bollywood-themed event, Gira also announced an allocation of RM30,000 to SIDS Sibu to support their activities next year.
Also present were Temenggong Stanley Gramong, SIDS President Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling, SDNU Sibu Chairman Chambai Lindong, and organising committee chairperson, Adina Sana.
