KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s firm stance against corrupt practices in the country can help expedite efforts to repair dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
Sarawak DAP Chairman Chong Chieng Jen said he was saddened to learn that the Education Ministry has identified more than 500 dilapidated schools in the state with hazardous building conditions that make them unsafe for use.
He said the long-standing issue has been left unsolved for decades, and most of the time, the main reason given was a lack of funds.
“But, I believe that if there is a will, there is a way, especially when it comes to education matters,” he said at the launching of PTA Diamond Hall and handing over of an interactive smart board at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jalan Arang here today.
Apart from fighting for funds, the Stampin Member of Parliament (MP) said, it is crucial to ensure accountability and transparency in utilising the people’s money or public funds as well as to closely monitor the implementation and process of approved projects.
Chong, who is also the Padungan assemblyman, was glad that the efforts to restore dilapidated schools in Sarawak will be among the federal government’s main focus in the 2023 Budget, which is expected to be presented again on Feb 24.
“With the priority given to the dilapidated schools in Sarawak as well as Anwar’s seriousness in fighting against bribery or misuse of power, I am confident more (dilapidated) schools in Sarawak will be restored,” he added.
He also urged the teachers and parents to teach their students and children about integrity, to inculcate good values from a young age, and to avoid getting involved with or tolerating corruption in the future.
Earlier, Chong also said the PTA Diamond Hall was approved during Pakatan Harapan’s administration in 2019 and managed to carry on and complete despite the change of government and COVID-19 pandemic.
At a cost of about RM400,000, he said, the hall will provide a more comfortable environment for the school to organise various activities, including indoor sports.
