KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is dissatisfied with the lack of adherence to Paragraph 17 of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, which states that the country’s education policy should involve consultation with the state.
“If you (federal government) want to impose any policy on education, the director of education, though he is a federal officer, must consult the state first.
“This should have been followed through. That is why certain policies may not be in tandem with our children’s needs,” he was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with The Edge.
He also said there is flip-flopping on education policies by the federal government, and that there is much needed intervention to complement federal education policies to suit the requirements of the state.
“Previously, the federal government had a policy. If they had a problem with teachers there in the peninsula, they would send them here.
“We know what criteria we need in teachers. The moment we address that, the state can move forward with other economic policies because people will be happy. English is important… train the people, then move forward,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that education must be certain so that one can keep abreast with technology.
Abang Johari also acknowledged that when it comes to the education-related issues, they are often being politicised in the peninsula.
Because of this, the Edge reported that Sarawak’s autonomy over education has become the top agenda when Sarawak negotiates with the federal government.
“…look at the Constitution, Article 152, whatever it is, we are allowed to use English. The language of the future is English. Bahasa Melayu is already mandatory. We need to enhance our proficiency in English.
“Otherwise, we cannot communicate at an international forum,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying, adding that most books are written in English.
On the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), he said it is already being recognised by universities worldwide.
Therefore, Sarawak has no issue in recognising UEC as it is recognised in universities in the United Kingdom and United States.
