KUCHING: The devolution of powers regarding education autonomy will be a key topic of discussion between the state and federal education ministries.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the discussions will also cover a system that Sarawak intends to implement to enhance the effectiveness of teaching methods among Sarawakian teachers.
“We will meet with the Education Ministry (MOE) not just once as these particular matters are the ones that we need to settle.
“We also have to get their consent first as (MOE) is still in charge of education here in the state.
“The consent also ensures ease of collaboration with the state government and the State Education Department (JPNS),” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the Gawai Dayak Bazaar at Batu Kawa here last night (May 17).
“So far, they (MOE) are very cooperative and responsive to us regarding the matter,” he added.
Earlier reports said that the devolution of education powers to Sarawak should be incorporated into regulations or statutory amendments to ensure continuity.
Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the MOE had agreed on a number of key points on education autonomy presented by the state government as part of negotiations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said the state and federal education ministries were now studying in depth whether the agreed points could be put into an amendment to the relevant statutes or regulations so that there would be continued adherence.
“Every time there is a change in the (education) minister or the government, there will be a change in policy.
“With regard to MA63, we don’t want this to happen,” he said this recently.
