I am earnestly hoping that the state government’s plan to provide free tertiary education to all Sarawakians studying in state-owned universities will materialise sooner than expected. In all honesty and sincerity, I give my highest salute and respect to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for proposing this noble initiative.
I strongly believe that this pursuit, while dependent on the health of the state’s revenue, has the potential to revolutionise the education landscape and empower generations to come. In today’s era, education is increasingly recognised as a fundamental right and a pathway to personal growth and societal progress. This initiative is a most commendable and praiseworthy endeavour.
I appreciate that the state government is demonstrating its commitment to the betterment of Sarawak and Sarawakians by providing free education. This move signifies the government’s recognition of the transformative power of education and its commitment to creating an inclusive society. By giving free education, the state government is actually taking a giant leap towards creating a more inclusive Sarawak society.
The government’s plan is crystal clear in recognising education as a catalyst for social mobility and economic growth. It has the power to break the cycle of poverty and social inequality. With the initiative, the government aims to remove the financial barriers that hinder students’ access to higher education. By eliminating the burden of paying fees, the government is indirectly paving the way for a highly skilled and educated workforce. This, in turn, will attract investments, stimulate economic growth, and position Sarawak as a hub for innovation and development.
The provision of free tertiary education aligns with the government’s broader vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy, where talent and expertise become the driving forces behind sustainable progress. I understand that Abang Johari, when unveiling the plan, said that the noble pursuit would only be implemented if the state’s revenue continues to increase. Sarawak recorded a positive state’s revenue of RM12 billion in 2022. Hopefully, this year’s revenue, as expected, would continue to be better.
I also appreciate the government’s efforts to ensure that the initiative is financially sustainable, ensuring that educational opportunities can be extended to future generations. The four state-owned higher education institutions are Swinburne University, Curtin University, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-Cats university College while the sole training centre is Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs).
Once implemented, the initiative would open doors for individuals to Sarawakian students, from all walks of life, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds, to access higher education. It ensures that talent, rather than financial capacity, becomes the primary determinant of success. By enabling upward mobility, the government is sowing the seeds for a fairer and more equitable Sarawak, where opportunities are not limited by economic constraints.
I acknowledge that this initiative benefits not only the individuals who would be eligible to pursue higher education without financial constraints but also the society at large. By investing in human capital, the government lays the foundation for a highly skilled workforce, fostering economic development and a thriving knowledge-based economy. However, to realise this vision of free tertiary education, it would rest on the collective efforts of the government, students, and the wider community.
As for the students, by embracing their role as active participants, they could ensure that they maximise the opportunities offered to them through the free tertiary education. It is imperative for the students to recognise the value of this opportunity and make the most of it by striving for excellence in their studies. It is crucial for students to exhibit dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence in their studies.
While striving for academic success, students not only fulfil their personal potential but also contribute to the larger objective of building a highly educated and skilled workforce that will drive Sarawak’s progress. By extending their unwavering support and fostering a culture of academic excellence, Sarawak can pave the way for a brighter future, marked by equitable access to quality education and enhanced socio-economic development.
It is, therefore, incumbent upon the citizens of Sarawak to rally behind this progressive step and recognise its potential for transforming lives and society as a whole. In conclusion, this visionary initiative not only empowers individuals with the means to pursue their dreams but also positions Sarawak on the path to sustainable socio-economic growth. As I move forward, I pray that this proposed noble endeavour would come to fruition, and I will work collectively towards harnessing its transformative power of education for the betterment of society as a whole.
