KUCHING: Not all the state constituencies in Sarawak are able to form an Education Trust Board as it requires a huge amount of fund to do so, said Universiti Malaya (UM) Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman yesterday.
Commenting on the Education Trust Board formed in Bukit Saban constituency on Saturday by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, he said, “Of course at the levels of Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers and Assistant Ministers, it is easier to implement because of their larger allocations compared to the ordinary assemblymen.
“But even though they are just ordinary members, they can still undertake similar initiatives in their respective constituencies even though their funds are not as large.”
Dr Awang noted that what was important was that the formation of the board demonstrated the commitment of the state assembly members in the education field to empower the community to change their future through education.
“There are many other ways besides establishing this board such as incentive grants to those who are successful and helping with airfare tickets and relief money while waiting for loans or scholarships.”
He added institutions such as Yayasan Sarawak and Baitumal could also provide more long-term assistance.
Sharing Awang Azman’s opinion was Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology (LICT) Mass Communication lecturer Afida Khasuma Zaidi.
Afida pointed out that other elected representatives should take this initiative to provide better education access to low-income and under-represented students.
“The initiative means there is money for uniforms for needy students or the stationery that they need during lessons.
“Besides, the board can help students to sustain their daily expenses and tide over financial difficulties or emergency situations,” she said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune recently.
“Such financial support can make a big difference to students, especially those from the low-income group,” she added.
