KUCHING: The Federal Education Ministry has been urged to immediately improve the facilities of five schools in the Batu Kitang area which have not been properly maintained for more than 20 years.
Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said that the facilities in the government’s secondary and primary schools were in a very poor condition and needed to be maintained and repaired urgently.
“Although the schools involved are located in urban areas, the condition of drains, roads, football fields, school buildings, septic tanks and much more have suffered severe damage.
“Among them, the roof has collapsed, the drainage system is broken and football fields are full of mud.
“I cannot imagine how the schools in the rural areas are facing these kinds of problems every time,” said Lo.
He expressed disappointment towards the federal ministry through the District Education Office that the problems have yet to be solved for a long time.
Lo said to the media at a press conference at Serapi Corner in Batu 7 today.
According to him, of the six government schools in his administrative area, only one did not experience such problems.
“The school, including the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG), has also contacted and complained to the office many times, but until now no action has been taken.
“This problem has been going on for years and it needs to be dealt with immediately before unwanted things happen to students,” he said.
The assemblyman explained that because government schools are under the Federal Government, the Sarawak Government cannot maintain or take over to resolve the problem.
“Therefore, I request that the Federal Government return autonomy and education funds to Sarawak so that we ourselves can repair and maintain all the schools in the state.
“I am confident that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government can do better than Putrajaya for the benefit and well-being of the Sarawakians,” he stressed.
Separately, Lo who is of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) said the people must give their support to GPS candidates in the 15th General Election.
“Still, I am sure the people know how important it is to vote for GPS so that Sarawak has more of a voice in Parliament.
“When we have 31 GPS representatives in the Dewan Rakyat, it is certain that our voices will be heard more and we will be able to claim all the rights of the state,” he added.
For the record, SUPP, as the oldest political party in Sarawak, will contest in seven traditional parliamentary seats namely Serian, Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Miri, Sarikei, Sibu and Lanang.
