THERE will be no racial discrimination for admissions when the free tertiary education scheme commences in state-owned universities in 2026.
The Star reported Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg as saying that the only criterion would be for students to meet the academic requirements for admission.
“Whether they are Chinese, Malays, Dayaks, Bidayuhs and Penans, if they are eligible and qualified to enter universities, you can proceed and study,” he said at the Federation of Chinese Associations of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions Chinese New Year dinner on Sunday (Feb 25).
“There will not be any racial discrimination when we implement free tertiary education. We, in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), have calculated and we want to make our economy strong and we want to give back to the people because talent development is very important.”
According to Abang Johari, the state government intends to ensure that Sarawakians were well-trained in the latest technologies.
The state-owned universities are Sarawak campus of Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak campus of Swinburne University of Technology, University Technology Sarawak, Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak and i-CATS University College.
The premier further announced that RM15 mil and five acres of state land have been earmarked for the relocation of Chung Hua School No.4 and a further RM5 mil and three acres of state land for the school’s board of trustees.
Abang Johari noted that the present site could no longer support further expansion of the school at Jalan Haji Taha due to the growing number of students.
“I have talked to the management of the school why not give good facilities to the school and since we want to give good education to our children, the state government has decided to allocate five acres of state land to the school,” he was reported as saying.
He also added that the total allocation of RM20 mil is a form of “angpow” from the state government to the school and students.
“Education is important and that is why I have discussed with the school management that there should be a good school with better facilities,” Abang Johari remarked, adding that the state government will take back the present site – which is in the Satok state constituency – and turn it into a state heritage site. – Feb 26, 2024
Main pic credit: The Edge Malaysia
