SARIBAS: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has been urged to continue providing sufficient funding to schools, even though the Sarawak Government is willing to assist with its funds.
Deputy Minister of Women, Children, and Community Welfare, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, welcomed the delegation of authority to the director of the State Education Department (JPNS) for approving projects and programmess funded by the Sarawak Government.
He sees this as a step towards facilitating the implementation of projects funded by the Sarawak Government through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and similar initiatives.
Razi explained that many schools seek allocations from the Sarawak Government through the Assembly to address the need for physical improvements in their facilities.
This is due to the inadequate allocation provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture. When schools want to construct halls, upgrade classrooms, or improve roads, they often face lengthy delays from the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Consequently, school administrators submit applications to assembly members for assistance. However, the implementation process based in Kuala Lumpur creates difficulties at the state level. Razi believes that granting more authority to the JPNS director would help eliminate bureaucratic issues.
He emphasized the importance of the MOE continuing to allocate sufficient funds to schools, despite the willingness of the Sarawak Government to assist using its resources.
Razi expressed these views during his attendance at the Ramadan Bright Program: SABERKAS Saribas Lambuk Spicy Porridge event in Kampung Serembang yesterday.
He further explained that the assistance from the Sarawak Government should not serve as an excuse for the Federal Government to reduce allocations to the MOE.
He highlighted that Sarawak still requires significant funding for school development, particularly for disadvantaged schools that should be given priority for upgrades by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Razi suggested that it is time for the MOE to shift its focus away from constructing new schools in urban areas and instead concentrate on planning outside the cities. This would provide students with better educational facilities and environments.
He expressed his hope for greater autonomy in education administration at the Sarawak administrative level.
After distributing lambuk porridge in Kampung Serembang, Razi attended iftar in Kampung Serabang and also delivered donations to the needy.
Betong Member of Parliament, Dr Richard Rapu, and Officer in Charge of Debak Subdistrict Office, Muhammad Hafiz Kepli, were also in attendance.
