Adenan (second left) presenting the scroll to a graduate. Also seen from left are Morshidi, Asfia and Len Talif. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has directed Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives to tell their constituents to grab every opportunity in order to go up the socio-economic ladder.
He said Sarawak needs people who are technically skilled to put the state on the road towards industrialisation, stressing that technical education is not for the lazybones but diligent individuals.
“When you industrialise, you don’t need philosophers but people who can use their hands and are able to attend to the use of equipment.
“Go back to your constituency and tell your people ‘Don’t be lazy’. Tell them not to just keep talking and do nothing. I don’t want to see young people staying in kampungs (village) and not doing anything.
“I want them to go for training because SPM alone is not enough. You must have skills on top of SPM in order to be more successful in seeking employment,” said Adenan at the inaugural convocation of Centre of Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) held at the multi-purpose hall of Yayasan Sarawak here yesterday.
Pointing out that opportunities are ample, Adenan said not only is Centexs for everyone irrespective of race and religion but the government is also subsidising the course fees besides granting students monthly allowances.
“Centexs is open to all races and there is no discrimination, skill is skill. The opportunities are given to you, in fact they are free and they even give you money on top of that. You cannot have that (lazy) attitude anymore.”
On the graduates, he said: “You are the pioneers. This is the first batch of products of Centexs. I will not be surprised even before you leave this hall, you’re offered a job already”.
He, however, noted all the graduates were boys, adding Sarawak was no Saudi Arabia where women lacked the opportunities to pursue studies or a career.
“Girls and women can be as skilful as men and boys, if not more. If there are no women next time, I will not officiate at your graduation,” said Adenan with a laugh.
He also called on graduates to polish their English or the number of unemployed graduates could rise.
“Proficiency in English is very important. Many people failed the interview because of a poor command of English.”
According to a press statement, the convocation saw 93 trainees completing Mechatronics (specialising in Port Equipment), Scaffolding and Welding.
Some of them are already employed by partners of Centexs including Petronas, Petra Energy, Plus N Sustain, Press Metal and Brooke Dockyard.
Among those present were state secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Morshidi Abdul Ghani, who is also chairman of Centexs Board of Directors, State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Datu Len Talif Salleh.