KUCHING: The federal government’s move to agree in principle the autonomy involving education and health to Sarawak is a good starting point in an effort to recognise and respect the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Political analyst Professor Dr. Novel Lyndon said the move will also give the Sarawak government room to formulate policies, strategies and directions in the fields of health and education in Sarawak based on the model of the state’s own people.
According to him, with the autonomy, the Sarawak government will be able to design Sarawak’s education and health system based on the laws of the state without abolishing the constitution as a conceptual and theoretical framework.
“Thus, the direction of education in Sarawak should be revised to keep pace with the needs of the industry, the economic development of Sarawak and the aspirations of the Sarawak community across regions, ethnicities and religions.
“At the same time, it will strengthen the culture and identity of the Sarawak community,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, today.
On health autonomy, he said it will give power to the Sarawak government to develop a world-class health sector thus providing good health services to the people.
“The construction of hospitals and clinics as well as the provision of medical or health personnel is determined by the Sarawak government.
“This matter will simultaneously improve health standards and job opportunities as well as other health industry players,” he explained.
