SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg approved a government grant of RM2.5million for the construction of SK Abang Ali’s new building and a parking lot.
Another RM1million was raised by the Chief Minister through his singing.
“The new building and parking lot project costing about RM3.5 million will possibly start by the end of this year. The new building will be a sophisticated one where seminars can be held,” said Abang Johari at SK Abang Ali’s 127th anniversary dinner here last Saturday.
It is learnt that the new building will house a teachers’ room, a meeting room and seminar room and a parking lot.
According to Abang Johari, SK Abang Ali was founded in 1890 is now 127 years old, has produced many intellectuals and leaders of the country.
“Congratulations to SK Abang Ali which has produced capable leaders and businessmen. One of them was a former Head of State, the late Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce. The other is also a former Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and a successful businessman, Tan Sri Bustari Yusuf.
“And we hope that this achievement will remain in order to produce more intellectuals in the future,” he said and hoped that the effort would be continued because today is a digital world without borders.
Abang Johari also said that one of the reasons he set up the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology including a Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) is to upgrade the education system in the state.
“This local bank especially will help in the development of rural schools so that students can have a better conducive learning environment,” he said.
Abang Johari also proposed that SMK Abang Ali be built because at present after the SK Abang Ali students completed their Primary Six they have to study at other secondary schools.
“As a long term project, I will find a strategic site for this secondary school project which can provide the best education for our youths,” he said.
During the function, Chief Minister’s wife Datin Amar Dato Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang who is a former student of SK Abang Ali was appointed as an honorary advisor of SK Abang Ali Alumni Association (PASKAA).
Dato Juma’ani also presented incentives totalling RM16,850 from PASKAA to SK Abang Ali which was received by the school headmaster, Hamdi Najdi.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Sri Rohani Abdul Karim, Second Minister of Finance Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research, Dr Annuar Rapaee and Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee were among those present.
