KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said yesterday many Sarawakians including members of his family were sending their children to Chinese schools.
“That is our policy so that our children are well educated and they can play their part in the world’s economy,” he said during the handing over of the keys for the new school building of SJK (C) Stampin Kuching by developer San Chin BBC-JV Sdn Bhd to the Ministry of Education at SJK ( C ) Stampin here.
“Over there (in Semenanjung), they are quarrelling over UEC (Unified Examination Certificate). But in Sarawak, we recognise UEC,” he said, adding that many Malays, Ibans, OrangUlus and Bidayuhs were now studying in Chinese schools in the state.
“Why? Because we want to learn Mandarin. Now China and America are quarrelling. Why? Because China and America are very strong. So we must work with the Chinese and we must work with US also. So we must know Mandarin and English,” he said.
Johari reiterated that education was important to the state government.
“That is why it has to come in to help and has approved RM85 million to rehabilitate schools in the state although it has no power over schools,” he said.
According to Johari, rural schools without electricity are still using diesel generators
“ The electricity poles are very near to the schools but they are still using diesel. This I don’t understand.
“So the state government gave RM50mil to connect the rural schools with electricity. The state government has to come in. We do not want our children’s education to be affected.
“But we have to have do what we have to do because our children’s education is very important,” said the chief minister.
He also hoped Sarawak schools would produce a lot of computer literate and technology literate people so that they could develop the country together.