KUCHING: With its diverse and robust income avenues like tax on petroleum products, carbon trading and turning microalgae carbon into green aviation fuel, Sarawak might just have the potential to introduce free tertiary education.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) economist Jerome Kueh said this was without burdening the people or businesses, especially if the state’s income trend remained robust.
“Imagine giving more students the golden chance to continue their studies without the burden of fees. But it’s not just about waving fees; we want to ensure that quality doesn’t dip.
“With bodies like the Higher Education Ministry and Malaysia Qualification Accreditation (MQA) at the helm, quality assurance is intact,” he said.
However, Kueh waved a cautionary flag. “Every choice comes with consequences,” he said. Opting to fund tertiary education might pull resources from infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals or transport.
“So, we need a bird’s-eye view. It’s about finding balance, understanding what giving to one sector might take from another,” he added.
The idea of free higher education isn’t just about cost; it’s about the students in tertiary institutions immersing themselves in spaces that promote critical thinking and personal growth.
“There are always two sides to a coin. Some might see ‘free’ and think there’s no rush to finish or might be less dedicated,” said Kueh, hoping students recognised this incredible opportunity and ran with it, fully committed.
On potential hiccups like over-packed lecture halls or thin-stretched resources, Kueh had a proactive take, “Expansion (infrastructures, tools and talents) plans, perhaps? Or, we could harness the power of online teaching.”
Turning his attention to broader financial structures, Kueh mentioned the Sovereign Wealth Fund as a potential backer for the educational initiative.
“It’s not always about direct profits,” he explained. “Investing in our people, in their education, has long-term benefits that go beyond money. It’s about building a strong, skilled community that can uplift Sarawak’s overall economy.”
Last month, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the intention of providing free higher education by 2026 was to ensure that more Sarawakians were qualified and able to use new technology to drive the state’s development.
