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Manyin hits back at Bandar Kuching MP

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KUCHING: Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Minister, Datuk Dr Michael Manyin Jawong yesterday hit back at state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen over his statement on the initiative for all 82 elected representatives to adopt a school or two each in an effort to improve students’  English language proficiency.

Chong, the Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, had two days ago said that it was  ‘the most ridiculous of policies’ for the state government to ask all the 82 assemblymen to adopt a school to improve the level of proficiency in the English language.

He opined that such a suggestion would not work and viewed it as an admission of failure on the part of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government that its education policies have failed to improve the level of English proficiency among students.

The Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry in a circular signed by its permanent secretary Datuk Sudarsono Osman on June 12, requested all the 82 assemblymen to voluntarily adopt one or two schools to improve students’ English language proficiency.

Manyin said the guideline on the initiative was later sent to all 82 assemblymen in a letter dated July 31.

“It is voluntary….but unfortunately, Chong has regarded the initiative as ridiculous,” said Manyin at a press conference after a meeting with BN assemblymen on the proposed consolidation of schools with low enrolment, here, yesterday.

Manyin said his ministry had never issued any policy with regard to education matters as it was the federal government’s responsibility.

“We only recommend, so I should say it was a ridiculous comment by Chong. If he (Chong) is not interested to adopt any school, he should just keep quiet.

“I am not upset…let he say whatever he wants to say. We are only trying to improve English language proficiency among our students. We need to get our students to try speak the language,” said Manyin.

He said Chong should come up with suggestions and work with the state government on the matter, adding that Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and Bakelalan assemblyman Baru Bian, however, sent an SMS to him, congratulating him on the initiative. “I should thank both of them,” said Manyin. 

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