BY NATASHA JEE & AMYRA VARKISA
SIBU: The Sarawak government will ensure that the state’s revenue is used to benefit the people, particularly through education.
Premier and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that free tertiary education will be provided to Sarawakian children studying at state-owned universities starting in 2026.
“This means that children of fishermen, farmers, people from rural areas, or even the wealthy – as long as they are eligible to enter the university – will have the opportunity,” he said at the launch of the PBB Youth Wing at RH Hotel today (Oct 6).
“Parents will no longer have to worry about fees because Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will cover them.”
Abang Johari, who is also the GPS chairman, said Sarawak’s revenue has increased significantly over the past six years, reaching RM13 billion last year.
He added that this year’s figure is expected to be even higher.
“Fighting poverty is not by giving handouts, but through education,” he said, quoting Nelson Mandela.
“This means that if we want to reduce poverty, we must uplift our children.”
He said that while free education was not included in the GPS election manifesto, the state’s improved economic standing allowed the government to make it a reality.
“Even though we didn’t promise this (free education) during the last election, as our economy grew, my six sense said to help our children by offering them free education,” he said.
When asked about the specific revenue generated, Abang Johari hinted that an announcement would be made next month.
He said that according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the revenue is more than RM13 billion.
