KUCHING: Datuk Richard Wee is hoping that Putrajaya and other state governments will emulate Sarawak’s education policy.
The Kuching Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No. 1, 3, and 4 Board of Management Committee chairman said this includes providing support to independent Chinese schools to ensure that talents can be cultivated and developed as part of the process of nation building.
“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is a strong advocate of education being the equaliser of all, irrespective of being rich or poor, urban, or rural. Such beliefs of our Premier are indeed an inspiration for us all.
“Over the years in Sarawak, our independent Chinese schools have received strong support and due recognition from the state government which we are extremely grateful for. Among others, the state government has recognised the UEC that will enable our students to apply for student loans and scholarships from Yayasan Sarawak and to join the state civil service.
“The state government has given us an annual allocation to our 14 independent schools starting from 2014 with a RM3 million grant, increasing by one million each year. Last year, the state government gave us RM10 million and again another RM10 million within this year – making it a total of RM72 million thus far,” he said.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 10th Malaysia Independent Chinese Secondary Schools Ball Games Championship 2023 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday (Aug 31).
Wee said the state government has set aside land for mixed development to the school board for the purpose of long-term self-funding for the schools.
“Moreover, land has also been provided by our state government for the purpose of relocation of our schools,” he added.
On the championship, Wee said this year’s edition saw the largest number of participants since the inauguration of the tournament.
He said some 2,000 participants comprising students, teachers, and parents from 43 independent Chinese schools across Malaysia participated.
