KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) has always dreamt of the day when tertiary education is free for Sarawakians.
STU president Adam Prakash Abdullah said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s proposal was welcoming news indeed.
“If it comes true, students can focus on their studies and no longer worry about fees.
“It will also help parents in ensuring that their children can pursue higher education confidently in the future.
“This will definitely boost the confidence of underprivileged students as it would be provided to all, hence failure is not an option anymore.
“I am quite optimistic that if the Sarawak government provides free tuition at tertiary level, every student will do their utmost best to improve themselves,” Adam told New Sarawak Tribune on Friday (Aug 5).
He pointed out that should education become free at tertiary level, every student, either in rural or urban, would work hard to earn a place in the universities.
“The gap between rural and urban students will be closer. In fact, we may see more rural students excelling in their studies.”
While there might be some who would say if everything were free, then students would not appreciate this, Adam emphasised that there was a need to have positive attitudes towards new opportunities such as free education.
“I still believe education quality will always be upheld and never compromised.”
