KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to helping the Chinese community in the field of education.
To prove this point, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg last night announced a total of RM11 million to further assist Chinese vernacular schools in the state.
“A sum of RM3 million is for the relocation of the SJK Chung Hua Bako.
“And I’m going to top up another RM1 million of the annual grant for the vernacular schools, which makes it RM8 million this year,” he said during the 35th Anniversary of the Association of the Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions and Fund Raising Dinner at SJK Chung Hua No. 3.
He added that members of SJK Chung Hua Bako had visited him recently and spoken of the fund the school badly needed, which amounted to RM6 million.
“So I gave them a challenge. If they raised RM3 million, I will give one to one, therefore tonight I give you another RM3 million.
“What I promised, I will fulfil … Promise is a promise,” he said.
He said the state government gives emphasis to education and the upgrade of schools, be they public, mission or aided schools.
“Education is close to our hearts … and members of the Chinese community have sacrificed a lot to give the best education to their children. And the same goes for the other communities, too, which I welcome because the Bumiputera community have long realised Mandarin as an important language which is why they have been sending their children to learn Mandarin.
“Only through education we can transform ourselves, gain knowledge, move forward and contribute to the society,” he stressed, adding that he wanted the children of today and the future generations to be multilingual in Bahasa Melayu, English and Mandarin.
Meanwhile, association president Jonathan Chai said the body represents 56 Chinese aided primary schools catering to a total of 18,039 students this year.
“Twenty-five percent (4,592) are Bumiputera, and some member schools in the rural area have as high as 80 percent Bumiputera students,” he said.
The SJK Chung Hua Bako will relocate to Samarahan.
It will comprise an 18-classroom block and a multipurpose hall.
