SIBU: From more than 1,000 dilapidated schools in the state, 460 are in “very critical condition” and need help urgently.
Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg added that these 460 schools also did not have “nice” quarters for teachers or “good” classrooms.
Speaking at the “Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri” Sibu 2017 organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and held at RH Hotel here on Friday night, he said: “We must help and provide good infrastructure for the students in the schools so that they can learn in a comfortable environment. Besides, these students are our hope for the future.”
Johari also reiterated that the setting up of the State Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry was to stabilise the state education policy.
Although education was the responsibility of the federal government, the Chief Minister said he had taken action to assist the federal government and complement its efforts in Sarawak.
“You know very well that education is universal. There are no boundaries for education as long as you are there and you learn new knowledge the way you do your business or the way you specialise.”
“This is a comprehensive matter and it’s not just the federal government’s responsibility but our shared responsibility,” he said.
On the digital economy, Johari said that it was a new method to develop the state, particularly its agriculture sector and rural areas.
Besides that, he said products could also be marketed abroad.
“We want to quantum leap our economy through technology and therefore, digital economy in important. We have allocated RM1 billion to upgrade internet high speed and ICT infrastructure.”
Johari said that RM100 million would allocated for the development of agriculture entrepreneurs next year.
“This will be used as venture capital for farmers who have the potential to succeed,” he added.
On the last state election, he said that the Barisan Nasional (BN) won the last state election under the helm of the late Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem. He said the BN won 72 out of 82 seats.
To continue Adenan’s legacy, Johari said he and his team would continue to recover the state’s rights and power stated in the Malaysia Agreement.
Johari’s wife, Datuk Amar Datin Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang, State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Talip Zulpilip, Works Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee were among those present at the “Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri”.
