KUCHING: The federal cabinet has decided to accept Sarawak’s offer of a RM1 billion loan to rebuild dilapidated schools throughout Sarawak.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik disclosed the decision in a Facebook posting yesterday following a meeting with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Tuesday.
Abang Johari had made the offer to Putrajaya in July last year after the federal government announced that repairs to dilapidated schools in the state had to be put on hold as it did not have the money.
Back in July 25, 2018 Abang Johari had made the offer when officiating at the state-level Teachers Day celebration at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Kalong Ningkan hall in Kuching.
He had suggested to Putrajaya to use state funds first on condition that it repay the loan.
“We cannot wait for too long and if they cannot afford, I am willing to give them loan of RM1 billion to develop these dilapidated schools. This is not politics, this is about the needs of our children,” Abang Johari had stressed.
Yesterday in his FB posting Dr Maszlee thanked the Chief Minister for the loan.
