SIBU: The Sarawak government will continue to support Chinese independent schools by allocating RM10 million for the development of Chinese education this year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian gave this assurance when officiating at the installation cum launching of the 40th-anniversary magazine of the Association of Chinese Independent School Board of Management yesterday (June 11).
According to Dr Sim, the Chinese Independent Secondary Schools and Chinese Aided Primary Schools are the roots of the development of Chinese education that must be rendered the strongest support.
“It is not only a venue for the students to learn Chinese but more and more non-Chinese students are also studying in these schools which makes it more significant nowadays,” he said.
Dr Sim said that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would continue to carry out the promises made by former Chief Minister, the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem to strengthen Chinese education in Sarawak.
“When GPS is strong, the development of Chinese education in the state can also stay strong and vibrant, unlike the Federal government which is constantly having disputes over the top leadership. Sarawak chooses to stay out of their political affairs.
“Sarawak will take good care of our interests and hopefully, we will one day take back our autonomy in education and health from the Federal government,” he said.
Dr Sim pointed out that the GPS government would continue to support both the secondary and primary aided Chinese schools in the urban and rural areas in terms of allocation for the Chinese Independent Schools.
“The government is working to ensure that none of the primary aided Chinese schools, especially those in the rural areas, will be closed.
“Many of the pupils in the primary aided Chinese schools in the rural areas are from the non-Chinese community and we welcome them equally with open arms and are eager to educate and guide them so that they too can become the leaders of tomorrow.
Dr Sim emphasised that the establishment of the Chinese Independent Schools was not only about getting an education.
“It also imparts knowledge and wisdom on the cultural roots of the Chinese community and the spirit of Sarawakians on how to become self-reliant and independent.”
