Sarawak Premier Advocates Pragmatic Education Policies for Global Competitiveness

KUCHING / 01/10/2024

KUCHING, 1 Oct — Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, emphasized the importance of talent development through pragmatic educational policies during his speech at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Chinese Primary Schools at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. 

He highlighted that education in Sarawak is focused on providing practical learning opportunities to equip students with the skills needed for the state’s and nation’s development.

“Our first priority is to give pragmatic education to our children. It’s not based on sentiment or emotion, but rather on building Sarawakians with the capacity to improve themselves and contribute to the development of our state and nation,” said Abang Johari.

He noted that while education falls under the purview of the federal government, Sarawak allows private educational institutions, such as aided private schools, to operate without restrictions. These schools play a critical role in providing opportunities for students to seek knowledge in a modern and practical way.

Abang Johari discussed with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian the evolution of Chinese schools, which have transitioned from being racially exclusive to becoming community-based institutions. 

“Chinese schools have changed towards becoming community schools, serving all races in Sarawak. This shift aligns with our policy to provide venues for quality education,” he added.

The Premier underscored the state's support for these schools, emphasizing that the government has partnered with them to ensure they provide modern, pragmatic education to all Sarawakian children. 

“In my earlier years as Chief Minister, I ensured that we provided whatever assistance we could to Chinese schools, because they are not meant solely for the Chinese, but for all races, called Sarawakians,” he said.

Sarawak’s forward-looking educational policies, according to Abang Johari, are designed to prepare the state to thrive amidst global economic shifts.

Also attending the event were the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian; Organising Chairman cum Chairman of The Association of The Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division, Sarawak, Dato Jonathan Chai Voon Tok; Minister of Transport Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Vice Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Miss Song Chang Hong; State Assemblyman for Batu Lintang, YB See Chee How; Mayor of Kuching City South, Dato Wee Hong Seng; and President of Sarawak United Associations of Chinese Primary Aided Schools Boards of Management, Dato Pau Chiong Ung.