KUCHING: The state government is studying to establish cooperation with Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, Singapore to develop international standard Islamic education here.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this would be applied to the secondary school level to equip Sarawakians with knowledge of both the world and the hereafter.
“I have instructed the Department Islamic Affairs of Sarawak (Jais) to consult with the school on the matter. This is being studied,” he said when launching the construction of SK Merpati Jepang’s new administrative building and upgrading of its academic building here today.
On the SK Merpati Jepang project, he said one of the middle blocks was rather dilapidated and its safety was not guaranteed, so the state government decided to re-develop it.
“The state government has allocated funds to develop SK Merpati Jepang’s new block worth over RM10 million. This will provide good facilities for the teachers and students,” he said.
He said that among these facilities was a lift and a new teachers’ room.
“This new building will be connected to the existing one. With the upgrading of facilities here, we hope this will have a positive impact on students in this school,” he said.
In his speech, the chief minister also recalled fond memories of his early years studying at SK Merpati Jepang.
At the same time, he said Sarawak had about 1,400 dilapidated schools.
“Therefore, the state government gave an allocation of RM1 billion to the federal government to develop these dilapidated schools, many of which are located in the rural areas,” he said.
Also present were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok deputy chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki; SK Merpati Jepang’s Parent Teacher Association president Senator Zaiedi Suhaili and other representatives.
