BY NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has been channelling funds to help Chinese independent schools statewide since 2014 with an initial grant of RM3 million.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the Chinese independent schools continue to receive this grant.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government handed over a RM10 million grant this year and Abang Johari assured that GPS would continue to look after Chinese schools as long as it remained at the helm of the state government.
New Sarawak Tribune asked the public for their views on the grant.
KHOO JUN KIAT (System and Business Development officer)
As the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the education system to evolve, this fund will ensure that all children will not be left behind in their education. The state government should look into developing an application and technology similar to Google Classroom or Zoom for Sarawakians.
NIGEL WONG KENG HOE (Sales & Logistics manager)
GPS continues to show that it is a caring and plausible political party that helps the people of all races. The grant will ease the financial burdens of Chinese independent schools and help them improve their facilities for the benefit of their students.
TZU ON CHEAH (student)
The government is doing its best to help the schools improve their facilities. This will eventually contribute to excellence in education. The schools can do a lot with the grant, like aiding the students with learning materials.
HANDY GUI (Broadcast journalist)
This good assistance from the state government ensures that education remains unhurt in the midst of this pandemic. With the implementation of Home Teaching and Learning (PdPR), the schools can use the grant to enhance the teaching methods, especially for students who may not have access to the necessary materials.
ADRIANA YUSRINA WEI (student)
This shows that the GPS government takes education seriously and amplifies the inclusivity in its governance. Given the fact that the student populations in the Chinese independent schools are very diverse, this grant ultimately will benefit students of all races.
LEONG HUI YEE (Quality Assurance)
This is great because it shows that the GPS government cares for the people. The grant can relieve the financial burdens of these Chinese Independent schools. I hope the state government will provide more assistance for education, especially during this crucial time.
