KOTA SAMARAHAN: A strong and capable leader has been the key factor in Sarawak’s progress to its current position.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Dr Johari Abdul stated that Sarawak’s current development standing couldbe sustained, and several decisions made by the state government were highly respected for their positive impact on the state.
“This is evident in Sarawak’s decision to fully implement the teaching and learning of English in schools and educational institutions within the state.
“The use of English in the education system is crucial because the world is becoming increasingly competitive.
“If we lack multilingual abilities, we will not be able to position ourselves better than others. We thank God, the Sarawak government understands the needs of the future,” he said.
He said this during the “Bicara Ketatanegaraan: Membangun Masa Hadapan” Lecture at Jubliee Hall, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus here today.
Johari added that the role of today’s youth was to ensure their talents and abilities were honed so that when the leadership baton was passed to the younger generation, they were ready to take Sarawak to greater heights.
“What’s the point of students getting first-class degrees if they cannot become good leaders? That is the issue we are discussing at the moment.
“We hope that universities will no longer only produce graduates who chase academic excellence but also cultivate quality leaders,” he said.
He also praised Sarawak’s achievements, noting that the state hadmade a name for itself on the world map, including Kuching being recognised as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
“Sarawak is internationally renowned as one of the most beautiful states in the world, and Kuching is among the cleanest cities,” he added.
Also present during the lecture session were State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Awang Asfia Nassar, DUN Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang, Deputy Rector (Student Affairs) UITM Sarawak Branch Professor Dr Saimi Bujang and other distinguished guests.
