CM warns that constant change in Putrajaya’s policies has stunted quality of education in Sarawak
Adenan signs a poster as a launching gimmick for the 51st Sarawak School Principals Education Management Convention. Looking on (from left) are Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, Rakayah, Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri and Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa. — Photo by Chimon Upon
SRI AMAN: The state will no longer tolerate Putrajaya’s constant flip-flop policies on education.
In saying this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem stated that the state government will be firm with the federal government on education policies in Sarawak because the constant change in policies had affected quality implementation and physical growth of education in the state over the past 50 years.
He was not happy that after 53 years, there still exist many dilapidated schools across the state, particularly in the rural areas, which are without basic facilities such as electricity and treated water supply. Many schools also lack basic infrastructure besides not being linked by road.
The chief minister added that the government has to set aside some budget to overcome the physical shortcomings of schools in the state as it can’t depend solely on its federal counterpart.
“After half a century, we are still left behind (in education facilities) and this is not acceptable. We should be on par with the peninsula.
“I know that to build facilities and infrastructures is not easy but after 50 years, Sarawak ought to be on par. Instead, we still have schools that ‘fell into the river’ and students who go to school barefooted,” Adenan said when officiating at the 51st Sarawak School Principals Education Management Convention at Hotel Seri Simanggang here yesterday.
Also present were state Education director Rakayah Madon and Sarawak Secondary School Principals Association president Ibrahim Jamain.
Adenan blamed the policy makers in Putrajaya for hindering the growth of education in the country as the constant changes in policies were confusing students as well as educators.
Adenan (seated centre) has his picture taken with participants of the convention. Also seen (seated from left) are Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri, Rakayah, Simanggang assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang.
He cited the use of English to teach Science and Mathematics as an example of flip-flop policies, saying each time a new minister takes charge of education, there will be new programmes.
“One of the big mistakes we (government) had made was to downgrade the use of English language in education. Why can’t we have both?” he asked.
He described English as the language of commerce, science and technology as many important publications on these subjects are in English.
“Here in Sarawak, we are multilingual but in the peninsula, the inability of most people to speak in languages other than their native tongue of either Malay, Chinese or Indian, is a result of bad (education) policies.”
On the 4-day convention which takes place till July 20, the chief minister urged delegates to discuss ways on improving the mastering of English language among students.
“I want to know the update of steps that have been taken to enhance learning and mastering of the English language,” he reminded.
At the same time, Adenan emphasised on the importance of enhancing technical education in the state. He mentioned that the state, in its industrialisation process, will open up more technical schools as many industries will require thousands of technical graduates.
At the event, Adenan pledged RM50,000 to the association to carry out education development-related programmes.